Paul Scholes, the Manchester United legend, has voiced his opinion on what he believes would be a fair punishment for Manchester City if they’re found guilty of financial misconduct.
Scholes suggests that the punishment should align with what other Premier League clubs like Nottingham Forest and Everton faced for similar breaches.
The ongoing investigation into City’s financial activities has been a major talking point for football fans and pundits alike.
Allegations Against Manchester City
The Premier League champions are under scrutiny for allegedly breaching financial regulations over a period of nine years, from 2009 to 2018.
The accusations revolve around 130 breaches, including failing to provide accurate financial information and not fully disclosing payments made to former manager Roberto Mancini and players.
These charges were first made public by the Premier League in February 2023, and the investigation into City’s practices has sparked a heated debate about fairness and consistency in the application of financial rules across the league.
Previous Punishments Set a Precedent
Scholes, who appeared on The Overlap Fan Debate on Sky Bet, pointed out that if Manchester City is found guilty, their punishment should be consistent with what happened to Nottingham Forest and Everton.
Both clubs were penalized in the previous season for breaking the league’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Forest had four points deducted, while Everton faced a six-point penalty.
Scholes isn’t advocating for identical punishments but emphasized that City should face similar consequences if found guilty. “It’s hard to say what would be a fair punishment…
but it needs to be in line with what other clubs have faced,” Scholes explained.
The Uncertainty Surrounding City’s Verdict
The investigation into Manchester City’s financial activities has been ongoing for years, and despite hearing evidence from both sides in late 2024, the conclusion of the proceedings is still uncertain.
According to Premier League CEO Richard Masters, it’s unlikely that City will face sanctions immediately after the verdict is delivered, and it could be delayed until after this season.
This has left fans and pundits anxiously awaiting the outcome, unsure of whether the club will face fines, points deductions, or even relegation.
Manchester City’s Defense and the Legal Battle
City has strongly denied the allegations and has been active in defending themselves.
The legal battle has seen significant financial and logistical costs, with both the Premier League and City hiring high-profile legal teams.
Adam Lewis KC is representing the Premier League, while City’s defense is led by Lord Pannick, a prominent lawyer from Blackstone Chambers.
This drawn-out legal process, fueled by the publication of leaked documents by German media, has created tension among some of the other clubs in the league, who are concerned about the increasing legal expenses.
What’s Next for Manchester City?
While the disciplinary panel is yet to announce a verdict, the future of Manchester City could be dramatically affected if they’re found guilty.
With a potential points deduction, financial penalties, or worse, relegation, the situation could fundamentally alter the trajectory of the club’s season.
Football fans across the UK are anxiously awaiting the verdict, which, as it stands, could arrive any time before the season concludes.
In the meantime, the debate about whether the punishment fits the breach continues to unfold, with many calling for fairness and consistency across the board.
Scholes, as a former player with intimate knowledge of the game’s inner workings, is just one voice in the growing conversation surrounding the future of Manchester City.
As the legal proceedings continue, the club’s fate remains uncertain, and all eyes will be on the Premier League’s next steps.