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The Premier League will require cooperation from the English Football League (EFL) if Manchester City are to face the full weight of the sanctions reportedly planned for them. The current league leaders have lodged an appeal against their 114 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules. Precisely what punishment they will face, should the verdict stand, is yet to be determined. However, according to the Daily Mail, the most likely penalty would be a points deduction sufficient to guarantee relegation to the Championship. But there could also be a potential second deduction in the following season to ensure they remain in the second tier for another year.
This is where EFL involvement becomes crucial. A second points deduction would require their help in implementing the sanctions to guarantee City complete the appropriate spell outside the top division.
Being an independent body, the EFL is under no obligation to enforce any such punishment. Nevertheless, it's considered likely that the organisation overseeing the lower leagues would consent to prolonging City's penalties.
The club will also face expectations of paying an unprecedented fine for fabricating sponsorship deals and other financial violations committed between 2009 and 2018.
Enzo Maresca's team almost appear to be on a form of revenge mission since the gravity of their predicament became apparent.
Following a challenging start under Pep Guardiola's replacement, City have maintained an unbeaten Premier League record and secured seven victories from seven matches.
They currently sit three points clear of reigning champions Arsenal at the summit following their 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
However, they suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League as Guardiola made his first Etihad return since their guilty verdict was delivered.
Various figures across the sport have demanded severe sanctions against City following their financial breaches.
Possible penalties being discussed include stripping them of their three Premier League titles secured during the period of their spending violations.
Reports suggest the Premier League would prefer automatic relegation to League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Nevertheless, this is seen as more complex, which is why cooperation with the EFL becomes crucial.
At a minimum, it seems increasingly likely that supporters will not witness the club competing in the top division next season.
The primary question now concerns the duration of that top-flight absence, with the EFL anticipated to have a significant influence on that verdict.
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