Who is Next? The 3 Premier League Giants Under the FFP Microscope
Chelsea’s £10.75m fine has sent a clear message: the Premier League is no longer looking the other way regarding historical or current financial breaches. As the league prepares to transition to a new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) system in 2026/27, three clubs are currently fighting for their financial (and competitive) lives.
The Premier League has shifted from warnings to action. Following the news of Chelsea’s record-breaking £10.75m fine and suspended ban earlier today, the focus now turns to the clubs who didn’t self-report their breaches.
1. Manchester City: The “Trial of the Century” (115 Charges)
While Chelsea’s fine was for “undisclosed payments,” Manchester City is facing a far more expansive case.
- The Status: The 12-week tribunal concluded in late 2024, but after 15 months of deliberations, we are still awaiting the final verdict.
- The Danger: Experts suggest that if found guilty of the most serious charges (disguising ownership funding as sponsorship), City could face a 40 to 60-point deduction. Some analysts even suggest expulsion from the league is technically on the table.
- Why it matters for 90PlusGhana: Pep Guardiola has consistently defended the club, but with Chelsea’s “historical” precedent now set, the pressure on the independent commission to act has never been higher.
Manchester City remains in a period of ‘deafening silence’ as the independent commission enters its 15th month of deliberations following the 2024 tribunal.
2. Aston Villa: The “UEFA Trap”
Unai Emery has worked wonders on the pitch, but off it, Villa is walking a financial tightrope.
- The Status: Villa is currently operating under a “settlement agreement” with UEFA. They reportedly only passed the 2024/25 PSR check by creatively selling their women’s team to their parent company.
- The Danger: Villa is currently exceeding UEFA’s 70% squad cost limit. If they don’t slash their wage bill or sell a “crown jewel” (like Ollie Watkins or Jacob Ramsey) this summer, they risk a total ban from European competition.
While Villa satisfied Premier League PSR requirements, they are reportedly facing significant fines and squad restrictions from UEFA after breaching the 70% squad cost limit.
3. Leicester City: The Six-Point Precedent
The “Foxes” are already feeling the heat. In February 2026, they were hit with an immediate six-point deduction for breaching PSR thresholds by £20.8m.
- The Lesson: Leicester’s punishment proves that even “mitigating factors” won’t save a club from sporting sanctions if they overshoot the loss limits. They are currently the “canary in the coal mine” for teams like Newcastle and Everton, who are also hovering near the deficit limit.
The Premier League has already set a precedent this season by ratifying a six-points deduction for Leicester City due to an overspend of £20.8 million.
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