Manchester City could face relegation and stripped titles over charges
Manchester City could face unprecedented sporting sanctions, including relegation and the removal of past Premier League titles, if an independent commission finds them guilty of 115 alleged financial breaches.
The hearing into the defending champions’ alleged violations concluded in December following a rigorous 12-week tribunal.
A final verdict from the independent panel remains highly anticipated across the global footballing community.
The club has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing regarding the regulations spanning from 2009 to 2018.
Severe punishments anticipated for guilty verdict
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently engaged in a tense title race with Arsenal, knowing a victory in their upcoming fixture would close the gap at the top to just three points.
However, any on-field success could be heavily overshadowed if the pending legal outcome results in strict retrospective action.
Financial experts suggest that precedent points firmly towards heavy sporting sanctions rather than purely monetary fines.
The ultimate penalty could see the removal of top-flight crowns won by the Citizens in 2012, 2014, and 2018.
Transformative sanctions and relegation threat
Football finance expert Stefan Borson believes that any punishment handed down must fundamentally transform the landscape of the club if the disguised equity charges are proven.
While stripping historical honours remains a viable tool for the commission, Borson indicates that an immediate, massive points deduction is a more practical approach.
A retrospective alteration of the record books would likely trigger a complex and lengthy legal battle extending over several months.
“If the worst case for Manchester City is established, I think the independent panel will go for a very large points deduction which will guarantee relegation.”
The financial specialist added that this method represents the most obvious route to achieve the intended impact of the regulatory sanctions.
“Because in the worst case scenario for Manchester City, it seems obvious to me that the punishment will be very severe.”
Despite the looming threat, the Etihad hierarchy reportedly remain highly confident of a complete exoneration when the findings are finally published.
