By Paul Joseph
Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League over 115 alleged financial breaches could lead to a series of compensation claims and further legal disputes, former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has warned.
Purslow, who also held senior positions at Aston Villa and Chelsea, said the situation could “spiral out of control” if rival clubs seek compensation for losses they believe they suffered during the nine seasons covered by the case.
City have reportedly been found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 charges brought against them, although the Premier League has yet to officially announce the outcome.
The allegations include breaches of financial regulations, including claims involving sponsorship revenue linked to connected companies and payments allegedly made outside the club’s official accounts.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme alongside football law expert Paul Gilroy KC, Purslow said the potential consequences could extend beyond any punishment imposed directly on Manchester City.
He highlighted clubs that may have missed out on European qualification or suffered relegation during seasons in which City were alleged to have breached Premier League rules.
“If you add all those claims up, over nine years, and that’s just in the Premier League, you can see that the potential here for this to spiral out of control is huge,” Purslow said.
He called for a comprehensive agreement between Manchester City and football authorities to resolve the dispute and prevent years of further legal uncertainty.
Gilroy, meanwhile, said four clubs had already submitted protective claims to preserve their right to seek compensation if City are ultimately found liable.
The Premier League has not announced any sanctions against Manchester City. Possible punishments could include a points deduction, expulsion from the league or a substantial financial penalty, but no sanction has been confirmed.
Manchester City have maintained that the legal process is ongoing and that significant aspects of the case remain unresolved. The club has also said it has respected due process and expects the Premier League’s board and executive to act as an independent and impartial regulator.
The charges were formally brought in February 2023 following a four-year Premier League investigation. They cover the managerial periods of Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, as well as the first two years of Pep Guardiola’s tenure.
During the period covered by the allegations, City won eight trophies, including three Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, one Community Shield and one FA Cup.
Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein described the situation as particularly painful for supporters and argued that, if the findings survive any appeal, the consequences should extend beyond a financial penalty.
Bernstein also urged the appeal process to be concluded quickly, warning that prolonged uncertainty could be damaging to both Manchester City and English football.
Oasis singer and lifelong City supporter Noel Gallagher also said he was shocked by reports that the club had been found guilty.
Gallagher said the development would be particularly difficult for City supporters and players, given the club’s longstanding denial of the allegations.
However, the Premier League has not officially confirmed the reported outcome and has declined to comment, while Manchester City have also declined to confirm whether they have been found guilty.
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