Rivals Turn Cold As Extent Of Manchester City’s Rule Breaches Emerges

Last Updated:October 06, 2026, 09:49 IST

Carragher says that clubs are united in wanting Manchester City punished, arguing that the consequences of years of rule breaking should be felt over several seasons.

A general view of a billboard featuring a Paddy Power advert that reads ‘Shamchester’, in Manchester (Picture credit: AP)

Former England footballer Jamie Carragher has said that now that Manchester City have got a guilty verdict, no one wants to wait an entire season for the punishments to be imposed on them, as discontent grows within the English Premier League and across the world footballer over City’s numerous breaches.

It’s just natural for clubs to look after their own interests. Manchester City’s relegation would mean one fewer team being relegated this season, remove one of the title favourites from the race and open up another European place.

But self-interest isn’t the overriding factor. The consensus appears to be that all clubs, regardless of their size or status, must abide by the rules. A one-season punishment wouldn’t be considered sufficient for breaches that took place over multiple seasons.

“Now that we know that they are guilty, yes, there is an appeal, but now that they have got a big guilty verdict initially, now I don’t think anybody wants to wait. It has to be done this season, because Man City need to be affected for next season,” Carragher said while speaking to Sky Sports.

“I know the word at the moment is sham; it will almost make the Premier League of this season, the title to be won would be a sham if Man City went on to win that league with what we know has gone on,” Carragher added.

Manchester City’s Premier League rivals will not have any role in the sanctions hearing, which could be held while the club’s appeal is still ongoing, according to the report in Sky Sports.

The same three-person panel that heard 42 days of evidence in 2024 and delivered its main verdict last Tuesday will determine the punishment.

“So it has to be done this season and I think the punishment, whatever it should be, I don’t think it can be a one-off punishment for one season, because this has gone on for years and years, so I think the punishment should go on for years and years,” Carragher said.

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What are the specific financial charges and rule breaches that Manchester City has been found guilty of?

Manchester City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges involving financial regulation breaches spanning from 2009 to 2018. These include failing to provide accurate financial information by inflating sponsorship revenues, concealing true player and manager compensation through hidden payments, breaching profitability and sustainability rules, and failing to cooperate with investigations.

Who will decide Manchester City’s punishment, and what panel is handling the sanctions hearing?

The sanctions will be determined by the exact same three-person panel that reviewed 42 days of evidence in 2024 and delivered the initial guilty verdict. Manchester City’s Premier League rivals will not have any role in this upcoming sanctions hearing.

What is Manchester City’s official stance and response to the reported guilty verdict?

Manchester City has consistently denied all wrongdoing, stating that the Premier League process remains ongoing with significant elements yet to be completed. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak reiterated the club’s confidence in proving its innocence, while maintaining that the club has diligently respected due process.

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