Former Leeds Manager Jesse Marsch Calls for Manchester City Relegation Over Financial Breaches

Jesse Marsch claims Manchester City’s financial misconduct was an open secret in the Premier League, insisting that relegation is warranted.

Published On 4 Oct 20264 Oct 2026

Canada coach Jesse Marsch has called for Manchester City to face severe sanctions over alleged Premier League financial rule breaches, noting that his experience managing against the club convinced him of irregularities in its operations.

The club was found guilty of serious financial rule violations spanning nine seasons from 2009‑10 to 2017‑18. The Premier League alleges Manchester City used sham commercial deals to inflate revenue and understate costs by more than £900 million ($1.19 billion).

City has denied any wrongdoing, arguing the ruling contains legal and factual errors, and has lodged an appeal against the independent commission’s decision.

Marsch, who coached Leeds United from 2022 to 2023, said the gulf between the two sides was evident during his time in England.

“I believe Manchester City deserves a harsh penalty, including relegation, and frankly, everyone was aware of the situation,” Marsch told The Guardian in a Sunday interview.

Marsch also highlighted the 2022 summer transfer window, when Leeds sold Raphinha to Barcelona and Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City, while both clubs reported profits.

“That summer [2022], Leeds and Manchester City were the only clubs claiming to have made money,” he said.

“For us, the profit came from selling Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, leaving us with a surplus after our purchases,” he explained.

“At that point we weren’t financially able to abstain from spending; our owners lack deep pockets. When Manchester City makes similar claims, I found myself thinking, ‘Are you serious? Is this a joke?’”

The American coach also expressed doubt about Manchester City’s summer signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

“When they claimed they acquired Haaland for £52 million ($69 million), I thought, ‘Yeah, right.’ Knowing there were inconsistencies, I could only shrug and say, ‘That’s football.’”

City’s appeal will be heard privately by a three‑member independent panel, while the club maintains its denial of all charges.

Possible sanctions range from fines and point deductions to sporting penalties, with relegation or title stripping also mentioned as options. It remains uncertain whether any punishment will be applied before the appeal is resolved.

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