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Manchester City could be relegated(Image: Dave Howarth - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester City could face a significant points deduction that would effectively condemn them to relegation to the Championship as a consequence of their breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations.
That is the view from insiders with knowledge of the case. City were found guilty of 114 financial violations last month, covering a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League accusing the club of "artificially inflating" their income through "sham" sponsorship arrangements.
The club, however, have consistently denied any wrongdoing, launching an appeal against the findings of the independent panel that ruled against them. It means football supporters could face a prolonged wait before learning the full extent of City's punishment, should their appeal prove unsuccessful.
According to the Mail, those close to the case believe the club are facing a hefty points deduction that would inevitably see them drop out of the top flight, alongside a considerable financial penalty. It is further suggested that City could be handed an additional points deduction that would effectively keep them in the second tier for a further season.
While the EFL would not be obliged to enforce such a punishment on one of their member clubs, sources indicate that it is probable they would comply. Speculation has been rife over potential punishments, including transfer bans and stripping City of titles won during the period covered by their alleged financial violations.
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However, it is widely expected that no sanctions will be imposed until the appeals process has been exhausted. A final ruling is anticipated in early 2027, owing to strict deadlines outlined within the Premier League's regulations.
Meanwhile, pundit Martin Keown has revealed that he has been receiving conflicting information regarding City's potential punishment should their appeal prove unsuccessful.
The former Arsenal defender 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."
On the pitch, Enzo Maresca's side have made it abundantly clear that their sole focus remains on delivering results in the Premier League, continuing to shut out the external distractions surrounding the club. The Citizens have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, remaining unbeaten in the top flight having won all seven of their opening Premier League matches.
In their most recent match, City brushed aside Ipswich Town 3-2 on Saturday, with Phil Foden on the scoresheet and Erling Haaland netting a brace to secure all three points for the Manchester club. City currently sit top of the Premier League table, boasting a three-point lead over defending champions Arsenal.
Martin Keown has heard Manchester City will see a fine(Image: Getty Images)
However, the landscape could shift considerably in the weeks ahead, with Maresca facing a congested fixture list that culminates in a crunch tie against Mikel Arteta's Gunners in late November - a match that could prove decisive in the race for the 2026/27 title.
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