Omanghana
Manchester City could retain their past Premier League titles despite being found guilty of extensive financial rule breaches, with reports indicating little support within the league and among rival clubs for retrospective changes to the honors list.
Report suggests there is limited appetite for removing titles won during the period covered by the investigation. However, that position does not determine the punishment, which remains a matter for an independent commission.
The findings announced on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, concerned financial misconduct spanning the 2009–10 to 2017–18 seasons. According to the Premier League, City used “sham” commercial arrangements to inflate revenue and understate costs by more than £900 million.
The case has prompted debate over whether sanctions should affect previous achievements or the club’s participation in future competitions.
Although reluctance to revisit past titles may offer City some reassurance, no punishment has been announced. A separate sanctions hearing is still required, leaving the eventual outcome unresolved.
Potential penalties include points deductions and expulsion from the Premier League. These remain possibilities rather than confirmed outcomes, and the reported preference against stripping titles does not protect City from other substantial sporting sanctions.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has opposed removing City’s titles, arguing that doing so would unfairly punish players and staff for conduct they may not have known about. He nevertheless supported strong consequences for those responsible.
Manchester City continue to deny wrongdoing and intend to appeal. The club argues that the commission’s findings contain fundamental legal and factual errors and has until Friday, October 2, to lodge its challenge.
The proceedings grew out of scrutiny triggered by leaked internal documents published in 2018. The Premier League referred its charges to an independent commission in 2023, beginning the disciplinary process that has now produced the findings against the club.
Source: Omanghana
