At Stamford Bridge, Gary Lineker has reflected on Manchester City’s present predicament and the longer shadow it may cast over English football. The former Barcelona forward said the club’s financial case is damaging not only for City but for the wider game, with a decision on sanctions still expected in early 2027.
The news from the club
Manchester City have been found guilty of financial irregularities in the Premier League covering the period from the 2009-10 season to 2017-18. The club have appealed, leaving the final punishment unresolved for now.
Speaking at a conference in west London, Lineker urged City to accept responsibility for the outcome.
“It looks very bad for Manchester City, and it is bad for football,” he said. “I would like the club to take responsibility and simply say: ‘We got it wrong. We will accept whatever punishment is imposed and move on.’”
He also said he would not be surprised if titles were removed as part of the eventual ruling. In that scenario, Lineker noted, the consequences would fall heavily on those no longer making the decisions: “The players and the supporters are the ones who suffer.”
The road to a verdict
The available sanctions range from a substantial financial penalty to points deductions, the removal of points, or exclusion from the present competition, which would bring relegation.
There is no confirmed date for the conclusion of the process following City’s appeal. The verdict from the investigators is nevertheless anticipated at the beginning of 2027.
