29 Sep 2026 07:39:19
{Ed's Note - OptimumShots has posted a new article entitled, What a Fair Punishment for Manchester City Should Look Like

1.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 14:04:19
I don't think points deductions, however substantial, address the key issue. Their conduct over that period demonstrated systematic contempt for the rules that they agreed to be governed by. The first thing that must happen is that they be given a substantial fine (say £100M) and immediately expelled from the Premier League. After that they can then apply to be admitted to the EFL, but to minimise the impact on other teams must have to start again in League 2.

Finally, and most importantly, in view of the level of contempt to the PL demonstrated by the current owners, they should be told that in future they will no longer be permitted to own a Premier League club - if the EFL rules that they pass it's owners and directors test that is up to them. Other issues such as compensation claims from other PL clubs could be dealt with separately, and a European ban would have to be decided by UEFA.

2.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 14:15:50
You raise some interesting scenarios there JR, as does Optimum Shots. I personally would hit them with demotion to a lower league and I do agree with your suggestion of banning their owners from taking charge of any football club in this country.

I fear that no matter what punishments are issued, they are not going to satisfy everyone.

Whatever happens it's such a desperately sad affair.

3.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 14:24:36
It's a good read from the Everton poster but I feel his suggestions re the scale and frequency of points deductions for Citeh possibly a tad unlikely

Bang on JR.

For me thw two most important things to occur are :

1) First and foremost, the current owners of Citeh must be gone and barred from ever owning a Premier League football club.

2) Secondly, Citeh must be stripped of all trophies Citeh accumulated during their era of transgressions and beyond.

4.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 14:26:44
I think this is all wish list chaps. Especially from due to be relegated spurs. It's already been stated that due to Burnley scenario sanctions will be forwardedly motivated. Leaving clubs to speculate and spend own lawyers money on comp.
Realistically. I reckon. Expel and acceptance into champ. 100 mill fine. And 4 transfer in embargo's.

5.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 16:39:50
Aus, if expelled from the PL, their "destination" would have to be decided by the EFL, not the Premier League, and I'd wager current Champo teams would not be keen on them going there and very likely mopping up one of the available promotion slots thus leaving only two for the rest to fight over, hence my suggestion they start in League 2.

That's also why I think a simple (albeit large) points deduction and demotion to the Champo is not a good idea, then they' be back in 12 months, polished up new as if nothing ever happened.
I think change of ownership before they can ever be allowed back into the Pl is absolutely essential.

6.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 17:52:30
And relegated to League 2 or the National League Baz.

7.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 18:20:22
Indeed Feath.National League would be apt.

8.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 20:51:22
I can not see this going the way you predicted for me the PL will want to put this to bed very quickly to stop all the the problem it could bring for years to come, I see a fine some point take away.

9.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 19:33:44
As one of the Eds said the other day, the EFL don't have to let them in, and if they do can decide which division they start back in. If they are expelled from the PL, it will create a new "vacancy" in the footy heirarchy which is best filled at the bottom as happened with Glasgow Rangers.

If their application were refused by the EFL, then the National League would be their next best bet - or liquidation.????.

10.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 21:58:49
North West Counties and a derby against Maine Road FC! ?.

11.) 29 Sep 2026
29 Sep 2026 22:34:12
JR was the only one to mention it but, if the punishment is too punitive then the spectre of Liquidation becomes more tempting? Also if they upset the Arab nature then all they will want in some way, anyway, is revenge. They may leave the Prem lobbing a few grenades.