A poll of 2,000 fans has found that more than half believe Manchester City should be deducted points if found guilty of their FFP charges.
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Man City facing trial115 charges against themFans hoping for punishmentWHAT HAPPENED?
The Betfair and YouGov poll of 2,000 fans asked what punishment City should face if they are found guilty of their 115 charges in court. The allegations will be investigated by an independent disciplinary tribunal starting next month and a verdict is expected in 2025. They have already been warned they could face a points deduction of up to 80 points, which would almost certainly relegate them to the Championship.
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A total of 55% of those polled believe City should face a points deduction, while 45% are behind a fine, and another 41% believe City should be stripped of their Premier League titles. There are also votes for exclusion from the Premier League (39%), a transfer ban (37%), while only 2% believe there should be no punishment.
City fans are unsurprisingly most in favour of a fine (49%), while 37% accept a points deduction would be an adequate punishment. Fifteen per cent believe they do not deserve a punishment.
DID YOU KNOW?
Man City have won four Premier League titles in a row and are aiming to win their fifth successive trophy, which would extend a remarkable record. Pep Guardiola's side have been dominant, perhaps explaining why most rival supporters believe they should be seriously punished.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Man City open their title defence against Chelsea on Sunday. They will hope to lay down another marker, having already beaten Manchester United in the Community Shield. Whether any possible points deduction would come into play and affect their 2024-25 tally remains to be seen, with the football world undoubtedly waiting to see what will happen when the verdict is delivered.