Premier League: Manchester City Fate in 115 Allegations Could Come Down to Two Things

Manchester City will not face automatic relegation from the Premier League if they are found guilty of their alleged 115 breaches of financial regulations, a finance expert has revealed. However, the consequences could still be severe, with a points deduction potentially sealing their fate.

Kieran Maguire, speaking on the Overlap Fan Debate, explained that relegation is unlikely because the English Football League (EFL) has no obligation to accept City, even if the Premier League decided to expel them. Instead, a substantial points deduction, which would effectively ensure relegation, could be imposed if City are found guilty.

City recently presented their defence to an independent tribunal, where the Premier League also laid out their evidence. A verdict is expected later this year, with both sides having the option to appeal.

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Maguire clarified the severity of the allegations, saying:

"In the case of City, there's actually three charges. It's not 115. Has money come in from the owners which they pretend to be from the sponsors? If that is the case, then that is fraud. That is about as serious as it gets.

"And, if found guilty of those charges, then the book will be thrown at Manchester City, and it's going to be a massive points deduction."

Using recent examples, such as the points deductions for Everton and Nottingham Forest, Maguire suggested that City’s alleged breaches—described as "major"—could lead to deductions of between 60 and 100 points.

"Given the Everton and the Nottingham Forest points deductions, they were both described by the commission as 'minor breaches'. What Manchester City are being accused of is major breaches over a nine to ten-year period. So, you would be looking at somewhere between 60 and 100 points if you go through on a charge-by-charge basis. So, it would relegate them."

Appealing any potential punishment may also prove difficult, with Maguire casting doubt over the likelihood of a successful overturn:

"I think there are very narrow grounds for appeal. It's only if the conduct of the committee itself was unprofessional in some way that one of the parties can potentially make an appeal."

The fallout for City could be immense, as Maguire noted the potential internal repercussions:

"If Manchester City are found guilty, then the whole board of directors has to resign because they will have been found guilty of misrepresentation, effectively lying to a commission."

With the verdict looming, the Premier League champions could face one of the most dramatic chapters in their history if found guilty.

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