Gary Lineker warns City: possible punishment looks very bad

Gary Lineker, the former FC Barcelona player, commented on the future of Manchester City after the club was found guilty of financial irregularities in the Premier League between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. He spoke at a conference held at Stamford Bridge.

Lineker said the situation “looks very bad” for City and argued the club should take responsibility—“accept whatever sanction is imposed” and move on.

He also addressed the possibility of title stripping: “it wouldn’t surprise me” if that happens, warning that “players and fans” would be the ones hurt.

As Mundo Deportivo reports, the City case could lead to penalties ranging from a heavy fine and points deductions to points being removed or even exclusion from the current competition, which could mean relegation. There’s no exact date yet for the investigators’ decision after the club’s appeal, but a verdict is expected at the start of 2027.