Manchester City’s ongoing battle with the Premier League over 115 alleged breaches of financial rules continues to create uncertainty across English football, and its outcome could have serious implications for Newcastle United’s Champions League hopes.
The reigning champions are accused of breaking financial fair play regulations between 2009 and 2018, with the case still unresolved despite years of legal wrangling. While City strongly deny all charges, the football world is waiting to see whether punishment will finally be handed down and when it does, it could dramatically shake up the Premier League table.
Reports suggest that a verdict could arrive before the end of this year, although others believe the process may drag into late 2025. According to The i Paper, the decision could even be announced this month, creating huge ripples across the football landscape.
One insider told the newspaper that the silence surrounding the case has been “deafening,” adding that “all hell could break loose when it lands.”
The potential consequences range from hefty financial penalties to severe sporting sanctions. While some believe Manchester City might escape with a fine, others think a points deduction remains the most realistic and meaningful form of punishment.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire noted earlier this year that if the club were to be hit with a points deduction, it would mark a major victory for the Premier League’s integrity and regulatory authority.
However, the complexity of the case means that even if City were found guilty, an appeal process would likely follow, delaying any immediate punishment and prolonging the uncertainty.
At present, Pep Guardiola’s side sit second in the Premier League table, ten points ahead of Newcastle United. A significant points deduction, depending on its scale, could see City slip down the standings, possibly behind Eddie Howe’s team.
For Newcastle, that scenario would be a huge boost in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. Given the competition for top-four places this season, any shift in the table caused by a City penalty could transform Newcastle’s campaign.
Despite the speculation, Guardiola has remained defiant and loyal to the club. The Spanish manager extended his contract last year, committing his future to City until 2027.
In a statement made in November 2023, he insisted that his future does not depend on the verdict or even on which division City might find themselves in should the worst happen. “At the moment, we are innocent until it is proven we are guilty,” Guardiola said.
“People want us to be guilty, I know that, I feel it. But I will wait, and when the sentence is done, I will speak. My future will not depend on whether we are in the Champions League or League One. In fact, there is more chance I stay if we are in League One.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has previously spoken about how financial regulations have shaped his club’s approach to growth. When asked about Manchester City’s situation last year, he pointed out that Newcastle have always operated with financial prudence under the current ownership.
“FFP is real for us,” Howe said. “Our owners have been sensible, and the conditions we face mean we have to be. Hopefully, City’s case helps people understand what we’re doing and why we act the way we do in the transfer market.”
While Newcastle can only watch and wait, the possible fallout from City’s case could have a major impact on their ambitions. A points deduction for City would open up an opportunity for the Magpies to climb higher in the standings, especially given their current ten-point gap.
But until a verdict is reached, all talk remains speculation. What’s certain is that the result whenever it comes will be one of the most significant moments in Premier League history.
For now, Newcastle and every other club in the race for Europe must simply stay focused, knowing that one decision could dramatically alter the shape of the top flight.
