Manchester City could suffer back-to-back relegations as 115-charge punishment looms

According to a report by Metro on Monday, October 19, 2026, Manchester City could face a substantial points deduction that may send them to the Championship and leave them struggling to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

The report claims that the Premier League is preparing severe sanctions against the club following allegations of more than 100 breaches of financial regulations over a period spanning 2009 to 2018.

City were reportedly found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges last month, although the club have appealed the decision and maintain that they will establish their innocence through evidence they consider irrefutable.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the case, the Premier League is reportedly considering a points deduction substantial enough to guarantee City’s relegation to the second tier of English football.

The proposed punishment could extend beyond the current campaign, with the club potentially starting the 2027/28 season with another points penalty that would make promotion back to the top flight considerably more difficult.

Such a scenario could leave City facing two consecutive seasons outside the Premier League, although the precise nature and severity of any eventual sanctions remain uncertain.

The English Football League would also need to ratify the punishment, but the report suggests there is currently no indication that it would seek to reduce the impact of any points deduction imposed on the club.

City are not expected to be immediately expelled from the Premier League. Instead, they would have to complete their remaining fixtures even if the punishment made their survival prospects unrealistic.

The club are also not expected to be sent directly to League Two, the fourth tier of English football, under the reported proposals.

The case has developed over several years. In February 2023, the Premier League charged City with 115 alleged breaches of its financial rules, following an investigation into the club’s financial reporting and conduct.

A hearing between the Premier League and City began in September 2024 and lasted approximately 10 weeks. Reports emerged in September 2026 that the club had been found guilty of all but one of the allegations.

City have challenged the findings, meaning the appeal process remains central to the eventual outcome. Meanwhile, head coach Enzo Maresca’s team have continued their impressive domestic form, recording seven consecutive victories under the new manager.

Their immediate attention is on Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens, although the club’s financial case continues to cast uncertainty over their longer-term future.

Maresca has also confirmed that Ghana international Antoine Semenyo could be sidelined for approximately eight weeks after sustaining a knee injury during Saturday’s victory over Ipswich Town.