‘Legal specialists’ have disclosed an intriguing new ‘development’ regarding Manchester City’s potential ‘removal’ from the Premier League.
Man City have been involved in a legal dispute with the Premier League since they were sent to an independent commission for supposed violations of Financial Fair Play regulations at the beginning of 2023.
Pep Guardiola's team was accused of violating more than 100 FFP regulations after an extensive four-year investigation into their supposed activities from 2009 to 2018.
Not much has come to light regarding the nature of Man City’s alleged misconduct, and this process has taken longer than many first expected, with the hearing only wrapping up at the close of 2024.
Man City has maintained their innocence during the entirety of this process. In recent months, they have seemed particularly assured as they have secured Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland with profitable new contracts. In January, they made substantial investments, clearly becoming the top spenders in Europe.
Nevertheless, if Man City is deemed guilty, they may face a significant fine, loss of points, a transfer ban, or removal from the Premier League.
A new comprehensive report from the i paper has offered perspectives from ‘legal experts’ regarding the issue, stating that the preliminary verdict – pending an appeal – is anticipated ‘any day now’ with competing clubs prepared for ‘chaos’.
The report also explored the potential consequences ‘if the Premier League prevails’, as Man City faces a ‘serious penalty should the significant charges be validated’.
It is further clarified that this is ‘anticipated’ to result from a ‘massive points deduction’.
Sports attorneys consulted by The i Paper think the three ex-judges overseeing the hearing will adhere to the established precedent of point deductions applied to Everton and Nottingham Forest for financial violations.
‘If that is the situation, City should anticipate a significant points deduction.’
The report has highlighted a new ‘fascinating development’ concerning Man City’s potential ‘removal:
In a fascinating turn of events, it has come to light that if City is determined to have violated the most severe regulations, the other Premier League teams may have to choose whether they face relegation.
It is still uncertain if the Independent Commission can bypass the Premier League's regulations and penalize the club with expulsion from the league, or if they must propose a recommendation to be presented to clubs in a special shareholder meeting.
“The question of whether Manchester City could be removed from the Premier League is a complicated matter,” Aaryaman Banjeri, who leads football governance at Lane Clark & Peacock, informs The i Paper.
“According to Rule B6 of the Premier League’s Handbook, clubs must vote as part of a Special Resolution to initiate the expulsion of one of its members.”
“This would necessitate a vote in favor of expulsion from 15 clubs.” It will be enlightening to observe if the Independent Commission adheres to this obligation, or if there could be a way to circumvent it, allowing the Commission to impose such a penalty itself.
The repercussions would also encompass geo-politics. A significant and embarrassing loss for Abu Dhabi-owned City may strain ties between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates amidst global instability.
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