The Premier League are under pressure to hit Manchester City with a serious punishment after their guilty verdict as Oliver Glasner warns them of fans turning away
Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner admits the Premier League need to act quick when it comes to determining what Manchester City’s punishment will be otherwise “fans can’t trust it and won’t watch it anymore”.
City were recently hit by the bombshell ruling that an independent commission had found them guilty of 114 financial rule breaches. It was a saga that had dragged on for years, and the club’s decision to appeal as they protest their innocence could see it extend further.
But after the verdict was handed down the Premier League, who themselves are facing questions over the integrity of their own competition, are now under pressure to act.
Glasner has been involved in rulings from governing bodies, leading Crystal Palace when they were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League, and insists fans around the world are watching England’s top flight and struggling to comprehend City’s position.
He said: “Let’s wait until the final verdict is spoken, but my wish is just that this is quick, because we didn’t know with Palace if we were in the Europa League or Conference League and then it was ‘you will hear on Thursday’ and then that became Monday, because it was always delayed. Then we got the final verdict ten days before the Conference League started.
“And that’s why I think this must be [completed] as soon as possible. There is still damage for the Premier League, not just in England. It’s a big topic all over the world, especially in Europe. The most important thing is the integrity of the league because as soon as the fans can’t trust it, they won’t watch it anymore.”
The Times reports that Forest, whom Glasner joined in the summer, have pointed to their own points deduction as proof of how quickly the Premier League can act if they wish.
The team from the City Ground received a four-point deduction in March 2024 for a breach of the league’s financial rules in the 2022-23 season, which ultimately had no impact on them remaining in the league or missing out on Europe.
There are calls for City to face a mammoth punishment, which extends far beyond the financial. A major points deduction could make relegation inevitable, which would be one of the biggest calls ever made in English football.
Stripping them of the titles that can during their guilty period, which began in 2009 and ended in 2018, is also something that could eventuate.
As things stand City are the only team in the Premier League with a perfect record from five games and sit top, three points clear of Arsenal.
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