26 Sep 2026 11:35:53
Interesting bit of history here: Citeh have actually been through something vaguely similar before.
In 1906 they were found to have been making illegal payments to players, including Billy Meredith. The fallout was huge, players and directors were suspended, the team was effectively broken up, and Meredith and others ended up at United. Guardiola come on down.
If the current findings are as serious as being reported, I can't see an Everton/Forest-style points deduction being enough.
I think there are probably two routes.
One is a record points deduction, potentially large enough to relegate them. The problem then is that one season in the Championship hardly feels proportionate if the breaches were systemic over nearly a decade.
The cleaner option may be expulsion from the Premier League, which would then leave their future league membership largely in the hands of the EFL. I could easily see League Two being considered rather than simply dropping them into the Championship. A championship ship like Wrexham for example have a much lower chance of promotion next season if Citeh are there.
The difficult bit is maintaining the integrity of this Premier League season while the process plays out. A substantial points deduction now, followed by expulsion at the end of the season, is one possible solution I like and Citeh restart in League 2.
I'd also want historic titles from the affected period to be removed at a minimum, with reassignment potentially considered where there was an obvious runner-up. United would gain two Premier League titles. SAF +1, Mou +1. In ready for the bus parade seriously.
Then you've got compensation claims from clubs who lost prize money, European qualification and other revenue. I could see the Premier League trying to create some kind of central compensation mechanism rather than allowing dozens of separate claims to drag on for years. That in itself could do Citeh in. Think West Ham/Tevez/Sheff Utd.
Finally, the squad becomes another huge issue. I'd be surprised if top players don't have contractual protection around relegation, expulsion or loss of European football, this specie case, so Citeh could end up dealing with a major squad break-up as well.
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26 Sep 2026 12:17:32
A large points reduction, this season, sufficient to relegate them.
Follow this by annual points reductions for the next, set number, of seasons, say 4 or 5. Don't let the pain be over quickly as that would not reflect the longevity of their rule breaking, and they could absorb a 12 month punishment without too much difficulty. Also I suspect they would retain their players.
Strict limits as to wages they can pay over the same time period. We would then see how 'loyal' many of their players are too the 'project'.
26 Sep 2026 12:21:04
Utd Road, something I haven't seen mentioned and not sure on if it's something that can be enforced but surely they'll owners should have to sell up?!
26 Sep 2026 12:27:52
Forgot to include. watch a live feed of Pep eating a very large sh**e sandwich, following his very public backing of the management.
26 Sep 2026 14:24:05
Ports - you're on to something there.
The new gov regulations allow the IFR to review existing owners vs fit and proper standards.
26 Sep 2026 14:24:59
Iwotb - EPL can't deduct points on EFL clubs.
26 Sep 2026 16:11:37
Utd Road, yes, sorry, points cannot be deducted on EFL by EPL as you say.
I did not present it right. The assumption being they would come straight back up from Championship and the future points deductions would then come into play. Effectively ruling them out of a title challenge for a set number of years.
Clearly, there is no punishment precedent here (never been such rule breaking) so it is all very much up in the air as to what punishment will be levied. Think it will have to be substantial to retain any credibility in whatever system is in place.