Premier League clubs are currently consulting legal experts regarding potential compensation claims against Manchester City in the wake of the recent ruling.
A source with senior executive experience at two Premier League clubs indicated that individual compensation claims against Manchester City are expected from multiple teams.
A prominent legal figure told the BBC that the league itself could centralise the claims process.
Premier League regulations permit clubs to pursue legal action against one another for compensation.
In June, Everton were ordered to pay Burnley £35 million for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Regulations over a three-year span.
Burnley contended that the breach diminished their prospects of remaining in the Premier League and sought compensation for relegation-related losses.
Everton are contesting the decision, with sources indicating they would “robustly and thoroughly” challenge the ruling — a backdrop that adds context to the Manchester City situation.
There remains uncertainty around a statute of limitations, which would establish a deadline for filings.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly safeguarded their rights to seek compensation two years ago.
The scope extends beyond Manchester United (on two occasions) and Liverpool, who finished as runners-up to City during their title-winning campaigns. It also encompasses clubs that narrowly missed Champions League qualification, failed to reach European competition, or were relegated outright.
Claims could even cover prize money tied to each Premier League finishing position or commercial revenue lost by rival clubs.
Kieran Maguire, professor of football finance at the University of Liverpool, told BBC Sport that complainants would frame such losses as a “denial of an opportunity.”
Maguire noted that the Premier League’s traditional handbook does not reference a statute of limitations, though Manchester City could challenge this legally.
Regarding the scale of compensation, Champions League qualification alone could generate substantial claims.
“The Champions League in those days was worth a minimum of £30 million,” Maguire said. “By 2018, it was probably worth £60 million or £70 million in prize money alone.”
“On top of that, you could claim for lost gate receipts and sponsor bonuses. It’s highly unlikely, but it’s certainly being discussed.”
“Players receive bonuses for Champions League qualification — typically around 25% of their salary for those connected to elite clubs.”
“An average salary back in 2012 would have been around £80,000 to £90,000 a week. Twenty-five percent of that is four or five million pounds a year. That’s how the issues stack up.”
Points deductions, fines, and compensation claims — this is an extremely messy situation for the Premier League, and it does not appear to be resolving anytime soon.