Man City given three reasons why relegation punishment would be a ‘major surprise’ in FFP case as club legend predicts fine or transfer ban if champions are found guilty

Manchester City is currently embroiled in a long-running saga surrounding potential violations of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. With at least 115 charges hanging over the club, speculation is rife regarding the possible punishments the club could face. Among the various sanctions being discussed, there has been much talk about the possibility of the reigning Premier League champions being demoted to a lower division, with some suggesting that the punishment could be so severe as to see them relegated out of the top tier. However, former club captain Richard Dunne has come forward to offer his perspective on the matter, explaining why relegation would be a “major surprise” in the event that Manchester City is found guilty of any breaches.

Dunne, a key figure in City’s history, expressed his doubts about the likelihood of such a drastic punishment. Speaking to Goal, Dunne suggested that relegation would cause significant damage not only to the club itself but also to the Premier League as a whole. “I wouldn’t have thought so,” he said, when asked whether City would be relegated if found guilty. “Setting aside whether they are found guilty or not, if they were to be found guilty, the damage it would do to the Premier League, in terms of demoting Man City, would be too much.” He pointed out that Manchester City, having established itself as a footballing powerhouse, is an integral part of the Premier League’s structure. Dunne went on to explain that both the league and other teams would likely want City to remain in the top tier, as they are a top team that generates substantial attention and revenue for the league. “City are a superpower in the Premier League, and a team that the Premier League needs and a team that the opposition wants in the league and to play against,” he said. “It would be a major surprise if something like that was to happen to them.”

The idea of Manchester City facing relegation due to financial breaches may sound extreme, but the ongoing FFP case has placed the club under intense scrutiny. City has always maintained their innocence, consistently denying any wrongdoing. They have argued that they have complied with the regulations and have pushed back against the charges, with the case having dragged on for several years. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the final verdict, many experts and former players like Dunne believe that the likelihood of relegation remains low.

Instead, Dunne suggests that if Manchester City is found guilty, the punishment would more likely fall in line with previous FFP cases. Historically, clubs that have been found to have breached FFP regulations have faced financial penalties, points deductions, or bans on player signings. Dunne anticipates that any sanction for Manchester City would be more along the lines of a fine or a transfer ban, rather than a drastic punishment like relegation. “What has gone previously has been fines and points deductions – for the clubs that have been found guilty of any breaches,” he explained. “It’s been that level of sanction. I would imagine that if City are found guilty, it will be something along the lines of a fine or whatever. I don’t think it’s going to be a demotion. Maybe a transfer ban or something like that.”

The situation is complicated by the fact that the process surrounding the FFP investigation has been ongoing for a long time, and details of the proceedings have remained largely secret. As a result, the club, its supporters, and the wider footballing world have been left in the dark about the potential outcomes. This has led to much speculation and uncertainty about the eventual verdict and the severity of any punishment that may be handed down. While some have suggested that Manchester City could face significant penalties, the fact that the case has taken so long and remains shrouded in secrecy has left many questioning what the final decision will be.

Manchester City’s business in the winter transfer window of 2025 also raised eyebrows in light of the ongoing FFP investigation. The club made several big signings during the window, despite the cloud of uncertainty hanging over them. When asked whether the recent transfer activity could be seen as an indicator of confidence that the club would avoid the harshest of penalties, Dunne dismissed the idea that the signings were directly tied to any potential punishment. Instead, he suggested that the club’s transfer business was more about addressing immediate needs rather than signaling any certainty about the FFP case. “Also, it was recognition that they have fallen behind in the first half of the season,” Dunne said, referencing City’s struggles during the current campaign. “I think they had plans for the future, to have a big summer in the upcoming window. They have just decided to bring that forward.”

City’s form this season has been uncharacteristic, with Pep Guardiola’s side failing to maintain their usual level of dominance. After a disappointing exit from the Champions League and a struggle in the Premier League title race, City’s hierarchy decided to make moves to improve the squad during the winter transfer window. Dunne suggested that this was more a reflection of the club’s current position, where they recognized the need to improve quickly, rather than an indication of their confidence regarding the FFP case. “I don’t see them bringing that forward as a sign of them being worried or concerned about any future punishments, it’s just about where they are as a team at the moment,” he added. “They had to improve and they had to improve quickly. I think that’s why they made the decision to get the players in now, rather than wait.”

Despite their uncharacteristic struggles this season, Manchester City remains a strong force in English football. They are currently sitting in fourth place in the Premier League, just outside the Champions League qualification spots, and are safely through to the FA Cup quarter-finals. While their performance has dipped, they still have the resources and talent to challenge for major trophies in the second half of the season. However, the ongoing FFP investigation looms large over the club, and it remains to be seen how this will impact their future. A potential points deduction could severely affect their chances of qualifying for the Champions League, and a transfer ban could hinder their ability to strengthen the squad in the coming years.

As the FFP investigation continues to unfold, Manchester City will undoubtedly be hoping for a favorable outcome. The club has maintained that it has not violated any financial regulations, and they continue to fight the charges. However, the longer the case drags on, the more speculation will surround what the eventual consequences will be. Whether the club faces a fine, a points deduction, or some other form of punishment, the impact on their reputation and future could be significant.

The next steps for Manchester City involve continuing their campaign in the Premier League and the FA Cup while also awaiting the final verdict in the FFP case. They will also have to navigate the complexities of managing their squad and making future plans, all while the shadow of the FFP investigation looms over them. For now, they will focus on their upcoming matches, including their next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on 8 March 2025. This match is crucial for City as they look to regain their form and push for a top-four finish in the league. They will also look to build momentum for their FA Cup quarter-final tie, which could provide them with another avenue to secure silverware this season.

In conclusion, the situation surrounding Manchester City’s FFP case remains uncertain, and the potential punishments that could be handed down are still a topic of speculation. While relegation is a possibility that has been raised, former club captain Richard Dunne believes that this would be a “major surprise” given the significant impact it would have on the Premier League as a whole. Instead, Dunne expects the punishment to fall more in line with previous cases involving fines or points deductions.

As Manchester City waits for the final verdict, they will continue to focus on improving their performances on the pitch and preparing for the challenges ahead in both domestic and European competition. Whether they can overcome the uncertainty surrounding their FFP case and finish the season on a high remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the coming months will be crucial for the club’s future.