Man City 115 Charges: Maresca Responds as Relegation Threat Looms

The findings, published by the Premier League on 29 September 2026, concluded that City breached financial regulations across nine seasons between 2009/10 and 2017/18.

It is a landmark decision in a case that has dominated English football for years.

The biggest question now is what punishment Manchester City could face if their appeal fails.

What Have Manchester City Been Found Guilty Of?

The independent commission concluded that Manchester City used commercial arrangements that misrepresented the true source of funding entering the club.

According to the findings, the arrangements artificially increased reported revenue and reduced recorded costs by more than £900 million over the period examined.

The commission also found that City had submitted inaccurate financial accounts and breached both Premier League and UEFA spending limits.

Three of four allegations relating to the club's failure to cooperate with the investigation were also upheld.

Manchester City strongly reject the findings and maintain that they are innocent of the accusations.

Could Manchester City Be Relegated?

Potentially, but nothing has been decided.

The Premier League's disciplinary framework allows for serious sporting sanctions, including points deductions and expulsion from the competition.

That does not mean either punishment will automatically be imposed.

A separate process will determine what sanctions are appropriate, while City's appeal could also affect the final outcome.

Given the scale and duration of the breaches identified by the commission, the possibility of a significant sporting punishment has become one of the biggest talking points in football.

Until a formal decision is published, however, claims that Manchester City have already been relegated or deducted points are incorrect.

Enzo Maresca Breaks Silence on Guilty Verdict

Speaking on Friday 9 October ahead of Manchester City's Premier League meeting with Liverpool, Enzo Maresca defended the club and its achievements.

The Italian manager insisted that City's past trophies should not be considered tainted by the findings.

Maresca also expressed confidence in the club's leadership and the ongoing appeal.

However, when questioned about whether he would remain in charge if City ultimately suffered a major punishment, he did not give an unconditional commitment.

It was an uncomfortable press conference for a manager whose team have made a perfect start to the Premier League season.

Manchester City Appeal the Decision

City formally lodged their appeal on 2 October.

The club argue that the independent commission's conclusions contain serious errors of law and fact.

The appeal will be considered by an independent Appeal Board, with the proceedings remaining confidential until publication is permitted.

There is currently no confirmed date for a final outcome.

That uncertainty means the case could continue to dominate headlines while City attempt to defend their Premier League position on the pitch.

Could Manchester City Lose Their Premier League Titles?

The possibility of stripping historic titles has also been raised in the debate surrounding the case.

Manchester City won several major trophies during the period covered by the investigation, including Premier League titles under Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola.

Former players, supporters and pundits have questioned whether those achievements should remain untouched if the verdict is upheld.

But no decision has been made to remove any of City's titles.

It is important to distinguish calls for retrospective punishment from an actual ruling.

Liverpool vs Manchester City Takes on New Significance

The controversy now follows City directly into one of the biggest fixtures of the season.

Manchester City travel to Anfield on Sunday 11 October to face Liverpool, with the visitors having won all five of their opening Premier League matches.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are dealing with injuries to Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, leaving manager Andoni Iraola with difficult attacking decisions.

City also have selection problems, with Phil Foden suspended following his red card in the Manchester derby.

For Maresca, it is an opportunity to keep the team's impressive league form going despite the turmoil surrounding the club.

For Liverpool, it is a chance to halt the leaders' perfect start in front of what promises to be an intense Anfield atmosphere.

What Happens Next for Manchester City?

There are now two major questions hanging over the Etihad Stadium.

First, can Manchester City successfully overturn the independent commission's findings?

Second, if the verdict stands, how severe will the punishment be?

Until those questions are answered, speculation about relegation, points deductions and historic trophies will continue.

For now, City remain top of the Premier League and their immediate focus is Sunday's meeting with Liverpool.

But whatever happens at Anfield, the club's biggest battle may be taking place away from the football pitch.

Follow the latest developments through our Football News, track the title race with our Premier League Table and check Sunday's action through our Live Scores.