Man City charges: PL players to explore compensation claims if verdict upheld

Premier League players and their agents are exploring the possibility of claims against Manchester City for loss of earnings if the club's guilty verdict is upheld after appeal; Man City have until Friday's deadline to lodge their appeal and deny any wrongdoing

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Premier League players and their agents have been engaging with lawyers to explore the prospect of seeking compensation from Manchester City for losses in possible bonus payments.

Several clubs have already instructed lawyers to assess the potential for litigation against City, should they fail to overturn the guilty verdict handed down by an independent commission this week.

But it is not just clubs who could have grounds to sue. Sky Sports News understands that players have contacted lawyers over potential claims of their own.

It is understood those claims relate to missed bonuses - whether that is from missing out on a title or qualification to a European competition.

A legal expert has told Sky Sports News that former managers could also have grounds to bring legal action for losses in earnings.

Players and coaches of rival clubs who missed out on European qualification or a trophy could argue they missed out on financial incentives as a result. This is exactly what impacted players and their representatives are consulting lawyers on.

Man City and their well remunerated legal team - lead barrister Lord Pannick KC charges £5,000 an hour - could be fighting the case on multiple fronts for years to come.

However, this all hinges on the result of an appeal, which Sky Sports News expects the club will file before Friday's deadline.

Man City's appeal could drag on into next year if they argue that the process should not be run according to Premier League rules which were introduced for this season.

City have until Friday to lodge their appeal. The new rules state that this part of the disciplinary process has to be concluded within 12 weeks and the appeal hearing can last no longer than five days.

City's lawyers could argue that they were charged in 2023 and a hearing was held in 2024 - when the rules about a speeded-up process were not in the Premier League Handbook.

A legal expert has told Sky Sports News that City would have a strong case for arguing the new rules should not apply in this case.

The new rules were introduced to ensure that clubs, where possible, were punished in the same season as relevant rule breaches.