Manchester City faces possible 7–10 year UEFA ban as appeal continues

Claims have emerged that Manchester City could be hit with a multi-year ban from UEFA competitions — possibly lasting seven to ten years — while the club pursues an appeal against an independent commission ruling. The assertion was posted on the social platform X by journalist César Augusto Londoño, though UEFA has not issued any official decision.

Independent commission found serious breaches; appeal ongoing

The independent commission announced by the Premier League on 29 September found Manchester City responsible for serious breaches of financial rules across nine seasons and also upheld most allegations of non‑cooperation in the investigation. The commission said the cumulative effect of disputed commercial deals in the reviewed period exceeded £900 million.

Premier League officials confirmed on 2 October that City has lodged an appeal against the commission's ruling. The appeal before the independent appellate body remains confidential until conditions for publication of its outcome are met, and any sporting or financial penalties will be determined separately from the finding of responsibility.

According to the X post by Londoño, “UEFA is reportedly close to announcing that Manchester City, if found guilty on appeal, will be expelled from all European competitions for a period of seven to ten years. Under that measure, they would not be able to play in the Champions League, Europa League or the Conference League.” That scenario has not been confirmed by UEFA and should be regarded as a possible outcome cited by the journalist.

Media discussion has circulated a range of potential sanctions, from heavy fines and transfer bans to points deductions, title withdrawals or exclusion from domestic competitions. Former Scotland international and talkSPORT host Alan Brazil has been quoted saying: “I've heard 60 points are being mentioned, which would satisfy some people while still leaving City a chance to survive,” adding, “I don't know whether that applies to this season. I don't see how that could happen this season because of the timing: by the time everything is finished, it will already be too late. Is it about next season? But there is talk of a 60‑point deduction.”

A lengthy UEFA ban, should it be imposed, would affect the club’s sporting plans and revenues: a team that won the Champions League in 2023 would face prolonged absence from Europe, with implications for squad construction and transfer strategy. Manchester City continues to reject the allegations and is contesting the commission's decision through the appeals process. Until the relevant authorities publish specific sanctions, both a decade‑long UEFA ban and a 60‑point deduction remain unconfirmed media reports.

Photo: press material from the event