Liverpool could potentially be handed up to three Premier League titles if Manchester City if found guilty of 115 charges of financial rule breaches, leading to its Premier League honors being rescinded. A final verdict on the case is anticipated soon.
The wait for the outcome continues, following a case that concluded three months ago. City has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and defended itself against the allegations of breaches between 2009 and 2018.
However, if it is found guilty, one possible penalty could involve stripping the club of the Premier League titles won during and after the alleged breaches. A guilty verdict would imply that the club secured the titles unfairly.
If the titles are indeed stripped, the team that finished second behind City could likely be awarded the title instead. This is a situation Liverpool will be closely monitoring, having finished runner-up to the club on three occasions.
Two of these instances occurred during the period of the alleged breaches. Both the Reds and arch-rivals Manchester United would each be awarded two titles over the four seasons, with the two clubs alternating second-place finishes.
2011/12 – Manchester United
2013/14 – Liverpool
2017/18 – Manchester United
2018/19 – Liverpool
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While the charges don’t cover the years after 2019, it could still be argued that City continued to reap benefits from breaking the rules in the subsequent years, if it is indeed found guilty. As such, it could be decided that it may be stripped of titles beyond the period in question.
Liverpool would once again stand to gain if this were the case. The Reds finished runners-up to City for the third time since 2012 in the 2021/22 season. Manchester United and Arsenal would also stand to benefit.
2020/21 – Manchester United
2021/22 – Liverpool
2022/23 – Arsenal
2023/24 – Arsenal
If found guilty, City could face a range of penalties, from a hefty fine to a significant points deduction. Being booted out of the Premier League is also on the table. However, if it is cleared of the charges, they will face no repercussions.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
