Lineker Demands Manchester City to 'Accept' Punishment Due to Breach of Rules

The club, which has won the English Premier League title 10 times, announced on Friday that it had appealed the decision, while continuing to deny any wrongdoing.

No decision on the punishment has been made yet, but the club could face a significant points deduction, a financial penalty, or even expulsion from the English Premier League.

Lineker, the former England captain, said on Wednesday during the Leaders Week London 2026 conference held at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium, 'Obviously, it looks very bad for Manchester City, and also for the game.'

He added, 'When they talk about 'conspiracy theories in the Premier League,' you think to yourself: well, that's the last thing in the world the Premier League would want.'

He continued, 'So, I would like to see Manchester City take responsibility now and say: okay, we made a mistake, but for the sake of the game we will accept it, and we will accept any punishment imposed on us, and we will move on.'

He added, 'That would be a good thing and would help them save some face at the moment, although it doesn't seem likely.'

Asked if City should be stripped of the three league titles they won during the period in question, Lineker, 65, said, 'I wouldn't be surprised if that's the way it goes. But who would be hurt by that? The players and the fans.'

Kyle Walker, who spent eight years at Manchester City and won several titles before leaving in 2025, said the players would always cherish the memories of their achievements 'no matter what.'

The right-back for Burnley told TalkSPORT radio, 'It's something we might not want to talk about, because we want to be seen as the team that won those titles, and won them the right way.'

He added, 'It's very difficult because we put a lot of effort into it, and we weren't alone in that, as I think of the fans who traveled across the country, and even abroad, specifically to Istanbul when we achieved the treble, they deserve that night too.'