Paul Scholes has called for Manchester City to receive fair punishment in line with sanctions handed to Nottingham Forest and Everton if they are found guilty of financial breaches.
The Premier League champions face 130 alleged breaches of financial regulations dating back to 2009-2018, charges they've always denied.
City could potentially face significant penalties including points deductions or even relegation if found culpable of serious charges.
Both Forest and Everton received points deductions last season after breaching the league's Profit and Sustainability rules.
Paul Scholes has called for Manchester City to receive fair punishment in line with sanctions handed to Nottingham Forest and Everton if they are found guilty of financial breaches
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Scholes believes any punishment for City should follow similar principles of fairness applied to those clubs.
The alleged breaches were first revealed by the Premier League in February 2023.
Initially 115 breaches were cited, but this has since grown to 130 alleged violations.
Manchester City have consistently denied all allegations against them.
A disciplinary panel heard evidence from both parties in late autumn last year.
The proceedings concluded in December 2023, with a verdict expected before the end of the current season.
City stand accused of multiple breaches of financial regulations and failing to cooperate with the subsequent investigation.
The case has been ongoing since 2018, with the Premier League conducting a lengthy probe into the club's finances.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes said: 'It's hard to say what would be a fair punishment for Manchester City if they were found guilty just as long as it's fair.'
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He added: 'Nottingham Forest and Everton have had punishments as well, so as long as it's along those fair lines. I'm not saying it has to be the same as Everton and Forest, but I think it will be points.'
The former Manchester United midfielder emphasised consistency in how financial breaches are punished.
His comments come as City await the verdict on their case, which could result in significant sporting sanctions.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters revealed last month that City will likely not receive sanctions when the initial verdict on their alleged breaches is returned.
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The independent panel will not decide on any sanctions the club might face.
Instead, this would involve a separate process, which could be subject to appeal by either Manchester City or the Premier League.
This means any potential punishment for the reigning champions might not be implemented until next season or even later.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Masters noted he "literally cannot say a word" about the ongoing proceedings.
Man City have insisted they are innocent of the charges against them as the saga rumbles on
PAThe verdict could be announced anytime before the end of the current season.
The four-in-a-row champions are accused of failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
City also allegedly failed to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini's pay between 2009-10 and 2012-13.
Additional allegations include failing to disclose complete information about player payments between 2010-11 and 2015-16.