The commission’s ruling has not been officially published, and no sanctions have been announced.
However, the scale of the reported findings has raised questions over the range of penalties available to the Premier League, from financial sanctions to points deductions and possible expulsion.
Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein said any punishment could go beyond a financial penalty.
‘Money is not sufficient,’ Bernstein told Times Radio. ‘If they are found, after the appeal, guilty of the charges, my beloved club is going to face a very severe penalty.
‘All I would say is that money is not sufficient; it would have to be something, unfortunately, more drastic than that.’
Five possible sanctions Man City could face
Points deduction
Legal and financial analysts have suggested that Man City could face a substantial points deduction if the reported findings are confirmed. A severe penalty could significantly affect the club’s Premier League status and European qualification prospects.
Expulsion from the Premier League
Premier League rules provide for severe sanctions in serious cases, potentially including expulsion from the competition. Such a punishment would have major sporting and financial consequences for City.
Retrospective Sporting Sanctions
The case could raise questions over the treatment of points and honours from seasons covered by the alleged breaches, including 2011/12, 2013/14, and 2017/18. Any retrospective action would depend on the final ruling and appeal process.
Transfer Restrictions
Depending on the final sanction, City could potentially face restrictions affecting player registrations or transfers. Any such measure would need to be specifically imposed under the applicable rules.
Rival Clubs’ Compensation Claims
Other Premier League clubs could pursue compensation if they can establish that they suffered financial losses linked to the alleged breaches. Such claims would be separate from any disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Premier League.