Paul Scholes delivers his verdict on whether Manchester City should face a points deduction if found guilty of 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules

Paul Scholes believes that Manchester City’s punishment should be in line with sanctions handed down to the likes of Nottingham Forest and Everton if they are found guilty of financial breaches. 

The Premier League serial winners stand accused by the Premier League of multiple breaches of their financial regulations, as well as failing to co-operate with a subsequent investigation. 

The alleged 130 (initially 115) breaches date back to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, and were first revealed by the league in a statement in February 2023. 

Should City be found culpable on some of the more serious charges, they could be hit with huge financial penalties, points deductions or even relegation.

Last season both Forest and the Toffees were handed deductions of four and six points respectively after falling foul of the league’s Profit and Sustainability rules and Scholes reckons City should face a similar punishment if they are adjudged to have broken financial laws. 

‘It’s hard to say what would be a fair punishment for Manchester City if they were found guilty – just as long as it’s fair,’ said Scholes, who was speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet.

Forest and Everton received four and six-points deductions for breaking PSR rules last season

City’s alleged 130 (initially 115) breaches date back to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018

‘Nottingham Forest and Everton have had punishments as well, so as long as it’s along those fair lines. I’m not saying it has to be the same as Everton and Forest, but I think it will be points.’

Last month, Premier League CEO Richard Masters revealed that City will likely not receive sanctions when the initial verdict on their alleged breaches is returned.

Man City have been staunch in their denial of the alleged breaches, and a disciplinary panel heard evidence from between the two parties in late autumn, with proceedings concluding in December of last year.

In an interview with Masters given to the Financial Times, it was stressed that the verdict could yet been announced anytime before the end of the season.

But the outlet also explained that the independent panel itself would not decide on any sanctions the club might be set to receive.

Instead, this would involve a separate process, which could be subject to appeal by either Man City or the Premier League – much like the initial verdict itself.

This could mean that any potential punishment the 2023 Treble winners could face might not be meted out until some time – or even after – next season.

In the interview, Masters could only note that ‘literally cannot say a word’ about the ongoing proceedings.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters revealed that City will likely not receive sanctions when the initial verdict on their alleged breaches is returned

Man City’s legal defence during the autumn hearing has been led by Lord Pannick KC (right)

The four-in-a-row champions are accused of failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons stretching from 2009-10 to 2017-18, as well as failing to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009-10 and 2012-13.

They are also alleged to have failed to provide full details of monies paid to players between 2010-11 and 2015-16 and failing to co-operate with the probe from 2018 to 2023.

That investigation, prompted by hacked material published in German media, has triggered astronomical legal costs for the league, which have raised concerns at a number of its clubs.

The competition’s senior barrister is Adam Lewis KC while Lord Pannick is leading City’s defence, with both legal representatives from Blackstone Chambers.