Manchester City were handed a guilty verdict regarding 114 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules last month, although the club have appealed the decision as they look to prove their innocence

Manchester City could be landed with a substantial points deduction that would guarantee relegation to the Championship as a result of their breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. That's the feeling from insiders close to the case.

The Cityzens were found guilty of 114 monetary infractions last month relating to a nine-year period spanning 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League accusing the club of "artificially inflating" their income via "sham" sponsorship deals. However, City have continually refuted any wrongdoing, lodging an appeal against the findings of the independent panel who found them guilty.

It means that football fans could be in for a lengthy wait until they discover City's true sanctions should they fail in their attempts to prove their innocence. According to the Mail, insiders believe that the club are in line for a hefty points deduction which would inevitably see them booted from the top flight, as well as a substantial fine.

It is also claimed that City could see a further points deduction which will effectively see them remain in the English second-tier for a second season. While the EFL would not be mandated to accept that punishment for one of their clubs, the claims suggest that it is likely that they would.

Other punishments which have been speculated include transfer embargoes and stripping City of the titles that they won during the time period pertaining to their alleged financial breaches. However, it is unlikely that any punishment will be handed down to City until the appeals process has been navigated.

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A final decision is expected in early 2027 as a result of strict timeframes which need to be met through the Premier League's rulebook. It comes as Martin Keown has heard contrasting rumours regarding City's punishment in the event that they fail their appeal.

The former Arsenal star said on talkSPORT on Monday: "I'm hearing rumours that this will be all over in a few weeks and it won't be nearly as bad as we think it might be. Maybe they get off with a big fine and we return to the football pitch."

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It comes as Enzo Maresca's first-team have made it crystal clear that their full attention is on providing results in the Premier League, as they continue to block out the outside noise. The Cityzens are unbeaten in the English top flight this season so far, having won each of their seven opening Premier League fixtures.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.

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