Premier League winner accuses Man City of 'making their own rules up' in transfer market & claims 'they must know' punishment coming in 115-charge FFP case - prompting Sky Sports to make on-air apology

During a discussion on the popular Saturday afternoon show, Premier League title winner and former Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham star Tim Sherwood was asked for his views on City's January spending amid the 115 financial fair play charges brought against them by the Premier League. Sherwood claimed City "make their own rules up", forcing host Simon Thomas to apologise to the club and insist they were not the views of Sky Sports.

The hearing into City's 115 charges has finished but a verdict is not expected until later in 2025. That has prompted Sherwood and others to speculate that the club may be aware of their punishment and are bringing forward transfer spending to this month. The club have already signed Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported initial £59m, Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens for £34m and Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £30m this month.

Speaking on Soccer Saturday, Sherwood said: "They seem to be the only team that can spend money and they've got 115 charges over their head. Perhaps they know something. If there are players available they will go and get them, even if they have to pay over the top. They don't care. Man City make their own rules up." Later in the show, Thomas said: "We had a conversation earlier today about Manchester City and their transfer business. There was a comment made about Man City and the rules. I just want to say they are absolutely not the views of Sky Sports and we apologise to Manchester City for those comments."

City have a mountain to climb to retain their Premier League title this season, with 12 points separating them and leaders Liverpool. Pep Guardiola's side are still competing for the Champions League and FA Cup, though, with a huge European clash against Club Brugge up next on Wednesday night.