RismadarVoice Reporters
September 26, 2026
Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has warned that the club could face severe sanctions if it is ultimately found guilty of most of the financial charges brought against it by the Premier League.
Bernstein, who chaired City between 1998 and 2003, said any punishment following a final guilty finding could extend beyond a financial penalty.
His comments come amid reports concerning the outcome of the long-running case involving 115 charges against Manchester City.
However, the Premier League has not publicly announced a final verdict or sanction, meaning reports about the precise findings remain unconfirmed.
Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained that they complied with the relevant financial regulations.
The Premier League charged City in February 2023 following an investigation into alleged breaches covering several seasons between 2009 and 2018.
The allegations include claims that the club failed to provide accurate financial information relating to revenue and payments to players and managers, breached financial regulations and failed to cooperate fully with the league’s investigation.
An independent commission began hearing the case in September 2024.
Speaking to Times Radio, Bernstein said the consequences could be significant if City were ultimately found guilty and any appeal process upheld the findings.
“I can’t give a view on the punishment. If they are found, after the appeal, guilty of the charges, my beloved club is going to face a very severe penalty,” Bernstein said.
He argued that a financial penalty alone might not adequately reflect the seriousness of the case if the allegations were ultimately established.
Bernstein also called for any appeal to be resolved without unnecessary delay, warning that prolonged uncertainty surrounding the case could be damaging to English football.
Manchester City have maintained their opposition to the allegations and indicated that they would challenge any adverse findings.
A club spokesperson said City had respected due process throughout the investigation and expected the proceedings to be conducted by an independent and impartial regulator.
Other figures have also reacted to reports surrounding the case.
Manchester City supporter and Oasis musician Noel Gallagher said he was shocked by reports suggesting the club had been found guilty of nearly all the charges, particularly given City’s longstanding denial of wrongdoing.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also described the continuing uncertainty as unsettling for supporters and called for the matter to be resolved promptly.
Depending on the final findings and the applicable Premier League rules, sanctions could range from financial penalties to sporting punishments.
Any specific punishment, however, remains uncertain until the disciplinary process is concluded and an official decision is announced.
Manchester City previously faced UEFA sanctions in 2020 over alleged Financial Fair Play breaches. A two-year ban from European competition was subsequently overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although a fine for failing to cooperate with UEFA’s investigation was upheld.
City have become one of English football’s most successful clubs since Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the club in 2008, winning multiple Premier League titles and their first UEFA Champions League trophy.
The latest uncertainty means attention remains focused on the independent commission and any subsequent appeal before the consequences for Manchester City can be definitively established.
