Former executive warns Manchester City legal battle could destabilise football
A former senior football executive said the Premier League's case against Manchester City, which has been found guilty of most of 115 charges, could trigger extensive compensation claims and threaten the sport's stability.
Manchester City has been found guilty of the majority of 115 charges brought by the Premier League, relating to alleged inflated sponsorship revenue and off-the-books payments intended to bypass financial regulations. The club, which declined comment, said the Premier League process remains ongoing and subject to confidentiality.
Christian Purslow, a former Liverpool managing director and Aston Villa chief executive, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the case could “spiral out of control” and generate a “never-ending waterfall of legal claims” affecting other clubs. He warned that over nine seasons, clubs that finished behind City may have lost tens of millions of pounds in prize money and broadcasting revenue, potentially leading to extensive compensation claims.
Football law specialist Paul Gilroy KC described the proceedings as a “seismic moment for world football” and noted that four clubs have already lodged protective claims to seek compensation if the verdict is upheld.
The Premier League has not announced any sanctions, but possible penalties include a points deduction, expulsion from the league or a substantial fine. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urged a swift resolution, saying the situation is unsettling for fans and should be settled promptly.
Manchester City’s former chairman David Bernstein expressed disappointment and called for a rapid appeal process, suggesting that any punishment would need to be more severe than a fine. The club’s achievements during the period under investigation include eight trophies, among them three Premier League titles.
The case follows a four-year investigation that began in February 2023 and an independent commission hearing concluded 22 months later. No official comment has been made by the Premier League.