Strip titles, relegate and fine: fans deliver their verdict on Man City's 115 charges punishment

Manchester City face an uncertain road to punishment after an independent commission found them guilty of almost all 115 Premier League charges brought against them — and a poll of more than 26,000 readers has revealed what the public believes should happen next.

Of the 26,270 people who voted, 43% said City should be stripped of all their Premier League titles, relegated from the top flight, and handed a substantial fine — the harshest combination of sanctions available in the poll. A further 10% backed relegation alone, while 5% felt stripping the club of their titles would be sufficient punishment without demotion.

Not everyone was ready to see sanctions imposed immediately. Thirty-four per cent of respondents said nothing should happen yet, arguing that City’s appeal against the verdict must be resolved before any punishment is applied. The club have already lodged that appeal, though it remains unclear whether the process will be concluded before a penalty is handed down, or whether any punishment issued in the interim could later be amended.

Eight per cent of voters said a large financial penalty alone would be appropriate — the most lenient punitive option on offer.

City head coach Enzo Maresca addressed the verdict at his press conference on Friday, expressing confidence that the club would ultimately win their appeal. The timeline and structure of that appeals process remain unresolved, leaving the club’s recent title haul and their top-flight status in a state of prolonged uncertainty.