LaLiga president Javier Tebas has called for a severe punishment for Manchester City after reports that an independent Premier League panel found the club guilty of 114 of 115 alleged financial-rule breaches. Tebas said the case should serve as a warning to clubs across Europe, while Manchester City continue to deny any wrongdoing.

Tebas Demands Strong Manchester City Punishment

Speaking to reporters at the Peak Performance & Health Summit in London, Tebas said the reported findings showed the seriousness of the long-running case.

“I’ve been raising concerns about Manchester City for many years,” Tebas said, referring to comments he made publicly at Soccerex in 2017.

The LaLiga president argued that alleged financial-rule violations continuing for more than a decade require a meaningful response. He said the punishment should be severe because the case could have implications for football beyond England.

Tebas also described the situation as important for European football’s efforts to establish sustainable financial standards.

What Are Manchester City’s 115 Alleged Breaches?

The Premier League charged Manchester City in February 2023 following a lengthy investigation into alleged financial breaches between 2009 and 2018.

The allegations cover several areas, including financial information supplied to the Premier League, player and manager payment disclosures, UEFA regulations, profitability and sustainability rules, and cooperation with the league’s investigation.

A soccer source confirmed reports that an independent panel had found City guilty of all but one of the 115 alleged breaches.

However, the reported findings are not the same as a final sporting punishment. Manchester City have consistently denied the allegations, meaning the legal and regulatory process remains significant before any definitive consequences are established.

What Punishment Could Manchester City Face?

Manchester City could potentially face major sanctions if the reported findings lead to formal disciplinary action.

Possible consequences discussed in connection with the case include:

  • Financial fines
  • Points deductions
  • Other sporting sanctions
  • Relegation

The eventual punishment, if imposed, will depend on the formal decision and any appeal process available to the club.

Manchester City have previously maintained confidence in their position and have rejected allegations of wrongdoing.

Tebas Highlights European Impact

Tebas believes the Manchester City case has significance beyond the Premier League. He argued that European football needs financial regulations that are properly enforced across competitions.

The LaLiga president said the case could become an important reference point in discussions about financial sustainability and competitive balance. He also referred to concerns about “financial doping” and argued that the punishment should set an example.

Tebas Revisits City’s UEFA Case

Tebas also criticised the outcome of Manchester City’s previous UEFA financial case.

In 2020, UEFA imposed a two-season Champions League ban after finding City had overstated sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016. City appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which overturned the European competition ban and reduced the fine from €30 million to €10 million.

Tebas said he believed the CAS decision should be reviewed, arguing that subsequent developments supported his earlier concerns.

PFA Raises Concerns About Delay

Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango also addressed the prolonged case. He said lengthy regulatory proceedings can undermine confidence in football’s rules and institutions.

Molango stressed that football needs clear rules, proper enforcement and consequences when breaches are established. He also highlighted the uncertainty faced by players and others working within the sport.

What Happens Next?

The formal outcome and any subsequent sanction will determine the next chapter of the Manchester City case. Any appeal could further extend the process.