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.

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.

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.