Former Premier League executive Christian Purslow says Manchester City face a “major points deduction” if found guilty of financial breaches, warning the process could take another year to resolve.

The independent hearing regarding the 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations has concluded, though a verdict has yet to be delivered.

Purslow, who has held senior roles at Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa, believes the legal battle is far from over.

He suggests that even after a judgment is rendered, an appeals process could leave the league and the club in limbo for months.

Timeline for a final verdict

While the initial hearing has finished, the complexity of the case makes predicting a specific date for the outcome difficult.

Speaking on ‘The Football Boardroom’, the 60-year-old indicated that any guilty finding would almost certainly trigger a prolonged legal response.

“In the scenario that there are any guilty findings, Manchester City choose perfectly reasonably to appeal under Premier League appeal rules that will move forward,” said Purslow.

“That could be another three, six, nine, or 12 months at least.”

The former Anfield managing director added that sanctions would likely be paused while any such review takes place.

Warning against settlement

There has been speculation regarding a potential out-of-court settlement similar to the recent Associated Party Transaction (APT) case.

However, Purslow insisted it would be a “terrible mistake” for the Premier League to attempt to negotiate a compromise.

He argued that the integrity of the competition relies on adhering to the established independent process.

“The smart decision is, if I’m the chairman of the Premier League, let’s leave it to the lawyers,” he said.

“Let’s leave it to the process, which everybody signed up to.”

Potential sanctions

The Etihad club have steadfastly denied all allegations, which cover a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.

During that timeframe, the reigning champions secured three Premier League titles.

Should the independent commission find against them, Purslow believes the precedent set by previous cases points toward sporting penalties rather than financial fines.

“When this is left to the judges, however frustrating it is that it takes so long, it will be in the land of precedent,” he explained.

“The precedent is sporting sanction. The sporting sanction is likely to be major points deductions, which ultimately could translate into relegation.”

Paris St-Germain have made an enquiry regarding Erling Haaland’s long-term future at Manchester City, while several top European clubs are circling Bernardo Silva.

The French champions are keen to understand the Norway striker’s situation at the Etihad Stadium.

However, reports suggest the 25-year-old would favour a move to Spain if he decides to leave the Premier League.

Silva set for summer exit?

Manchester City could also face a battle to retain Bernardo Silva, with his contract set to expire this summer.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly monitoring the Portugal midfielder.

Juventus and Monaco are also keeping tabs on the 31-year-old playmaker regarding a potential move.

Premier League transfer news

Aston Villa are hoping to secure the services of Fulham’s Harry Wilson on a free transfer.

The Wales international is also understood to be a target for Everton.

Elsewhere, Cristian Romero and Conor Gallagher are expected to leave Tottenham if the club suffers relegation.

The duo would almost certainly depart north London to remain in top-flight football.

Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon insists he remains focused despite links to Liverpool and Arsenal.

The 24-year-old has stated he will not let transfer speculation affect his performances.

In the goalkeeping department, Manchester City’s James Trafford is prioritising a move to Aston Villa over Newcastle.

European and international updates

Carlo Ancelotti intends to sign a four-year contract extension as head coach of the Brazil national team.

In France, Olivier Giroud is facing uncertainty regarding his future at Lille.

The country’s all-time leading scorer, now 39, has suffered a dip in form.

Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho is attracting interest from Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy.

The former Liverpool midfielder is currently a free agent following his departure from Vasco da Gama.

Barcelona have moved to strengthen release clauses for their young talents.

It comes after Paris St-Germain signed 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Dro Fernandez last month for a modest fee.

Xabi Alonso has rejected an approach to become the new manager of Marseille following his recent departure from Real Madrid.

The 44-year-old is understood to have turned down the opportunity immediately due to concerns regarding the current stability of the Ligue 1 club.

Marseille had identified the Spaniard as a primary target to replace Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club by mutual consent earlier this month.

Turmoil at the Stade Velodrome

The French side are currently navigating a chaotic period following De Zerbi’s exit, which came in the wake of a demoralising 5-0 defeat by Paris St-Germain.

Internal friction has further destabilised the club, with sporting director Medhi Benatia announcing his decision to leave citing a breakdown in communication with the board.

Fan unrest was visible during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Strasbourg, where supporters boycotted the opening 15 minutes and whistled at the team.

Following the rejection from the former Liverpool midfielder, Marseille have moved to appoint Habib Beye, despite the former Newcastle defender recently being dismissed by Rennes.

Short-lived tenure in Spain

Alonso remains a free agent after his time at the Bernabeu was brought to an abrupt end in January.

His exit came just seven months after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, precipitated by a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Reports from Spain suggest the dismissal was also influenced by a fractured relationship with senior players, including Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid have since looked to recover their season under the guidance of Alonso’s replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa.

Premier League speculation

The World Cup winner continues to be linked with a return to Anfield, where he spent five successful years as a player.

Speculation regarding the managerial position at Liverpool persists, with suggestions that Alonso could eventually replace Arne Slot.

When questioned about the rumours recently, Slot responded to the situation with humour, downplaying the suggestions of an imminent change.

Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, committing his future to the Premier League title challengers.

The club confirmed the deal on Friday, finalizing terms that were reportedly verbally agreed upon in January.

Saka had hinted at the imminent announcement during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Wolves, celebrating his goal by mimicking the signing of a document.

‘An easy commitment’

The England international expressed his delight at extending his stay with his boyhood club.

While his previous deal ran until 2027, these fresh terms reinforce his status as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

“I’m feeling amazing. I think it’s a fantastic moment for my family and for me,” Saka said.

“I feel immense joy to continue my journey at this club. For me, it was an easy commitment and I just hope to win everything here.”

Chasing major honours

The winger believes the Gunners are now positioned to end their wait for significant silverware.

Having risen through the Hale End academy ranks, Saka insists the team is ready to take the final step in their development.

“I believe the next few years are going to be the years that we get over the line, and we’re able to win trophies and make history for this club,” he added.

“We’re back where we belong, fighting for everything.”

Boost for title run-in

The announcement provides a timely lift for Arsenal following a frustrating result against the league’s bottom side earlier this week.

Dropped points against Wolves have given Manchester City an opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table.

Arteta’s side must now regroup quickly as they prepare for a crucial north London derby this weekend.

Supporters from Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Iran barred from entering US for 2026 tournament.

Fans from Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Iran will be unable to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup due to expanded visa restrictions introduced by the Trump administration.

Nationals from the four qualified countries fall under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which suspends visa issuance citing national security concerns.

Players, team officials and immediate family members have been granted exemptions to compete in the tournament hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico.

However, ordinary supporters wishing to travel will see their applications rejected under the current policy.

The restrictions, which came into effect on 1 January, affect nationals from 39 countries in total.

‘Visas are not a right’

The US State Department confirmed that exceptions to the policy would be “quite rare” and reserved for cases serving the national interest.

A spokesperson emphasised that the administration is prioritising the safety of the American people through strengthened vetting.

“A visa is a privilege. Visas are not a right. Under President Trump, the Department of State is administering visa operations in a way that prioritizes the safety of the American people and our national interests, strengthens screening and vetting, and enforces the law.”

State Department spokesperson

FIFA has given no indication it will pressure American authorities to make exceptions for travelling supporters.

Haiti’s bitter-sweet return

The ban is particularly stinging for Haiti, who have qualified for the finals for the first time since 1974.

The Caribbean nation secured their place despite being unable to play home matches or train within their own borders due to domestic instability.

Regine Etienne, Haiti’s acting consular general in Boston, described the team’s qualification as a “remarkable” achievement.

“Their journey demonstrates that there is still hope for Haiti, and that determination and talent can triumph despite adversity.”

Regine Etienne, Haiti acting consular general

Etienne confirmed the Haitian government is exploring all options but acknowledged that visa issuance remains a “sovereign prerogative” of the US.

Diplomatic appeals

Political figures within the US are attempting to advocate for the affected communities.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has previously stated he would appeal to the President for a World Cup exception.

Mamdani, who held a meeting at the Oval Office in November, intends to advocate for the banned nations despite the administration’s firm stance.

The mayor declined to confirm if he has discussed the specific issue directly with President Trump.

“It is an opportunity to be seen… I’ll keep conversations between the president and myself private.”

Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor

The BBC will televise Wrexham’s fifth-round tie against Chelsea and Liverpool’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers live on BBC One in March.

An all-Premier League clash takes centre stage on Friday, 6 March, as Arne Slot’s side visit Molineux for a 20:00 GMT kick-off.

Coverage continues the following day when the Blues travel to face Championship opposition in north Wales at 17:45.

Both headline fixtures will be available to watch live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Wrexham target another giant-killing

The Red Dragons will be hoping to orchestrate another upset against top-flight opponents at the Racecourse Ground.

Phil Parkinson’s side have already proven their credentials in this season’s competition, having eliminated Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest in the third round.

There are eight fifth-round ties scheduled to be played across four days from 6-9 March.

Full FA Cup fifth-round TV schedule

All times GMT.

Friday, 6 March

Saturday, 7 March

Sunday, 8 March

Monday, 9 March

Ange Postecoglou has accepted full responsibility for his ill-fated 39-day tenure at Nottingham Forest, describing the move as a “bad decision” made too soon after leaving Tottenham.

The Australian was dismissed by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis having failed to win a single Premier League match during his brief reign.

He oversaw six defeats in just eight games after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground in September.

‘I should never have gone there’

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, the 60-year-old confessed he was too eager to return to the dugout following a 20-year career of continuous management.

Postecoglou admitted the allure of the squad’s talent clouded his judgement despite warnings from his inner circle.

“There’s no point me blaming it on ‘I didn’t get time’ or anything. I should never have gone in there. That was on me.”

Ange Postecoglou

The former Celtic boss explained that he felt “lost” without a role but soon realised the playing group was resistant to change following Nuno’s departure.

He suggested the dressing room was not looking for a new direction, creating a problematic environment for his specific methods.

No return to Celtic

While currently without a club, the experienced coach has firmly ruled out a return to Glasgow.

He enjoyed a trophy-laden two-year spell at Celtic Park between 2021 and 2023 but insists he prefers to look forward rather than back.

“I don’t go back. I just don’t think that’s kind of been my career.”

Postecoglou on a potential Celtic return

The manager remains open to new opportunities but stressed that any future employer must be fully committed to his specific attacking philosophy.

He affirmed his desire to join a club where he can “win things” while maintaining his non-negotiable style of play.

Mikel Arteta’s obsessive attention to detail risks derailing Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge following a string of concerning results.

The Gunners remain in command of the table but have shown signs of fragility during a pivotal moment in the season.

Recent performances have raised questions regarding whether the manager’s intense micromanagement is becoming detrimental to his squad.

Points dropped in title race

Arsenal appeared to be cruising towards victory against bottom-of-the-table Wolves, leading 2-0 before collapsing to a 2-2 draw.

The chaotic scenes following a late equaliser resulted in arguments on the pitch, portraying a side suddenly devoid of composure.

This result was compounded by a 1-1 stalemate against Brentford, marking a worrying trend in the run-in.

While the north London club have often looked imperious this campaign, they have begun to seize up against inferior opposition when victory seemed assured.

The double-edged sword of control

Arteta is widely regarded as a manager who seeks to control more variables than perhaps any other coach in world football.

Sources close to the club describe the Spaniard as a "probabilities guy" who scrutinises everything from ice bath temperatures to the steering wheel on the team bus.

This meticulous approach has undoubtedly been the catalyst for transforming Arsenal into genuine contenders.

However, there is a growing fear that this desire for total control is now constraining the players rather than empowering them.

The team’s approach has appeared over-coached in recent weeks, removing the freedom required to break down stubborn defences.

Struggles in attack

The intense tactical structure appears to be impacting individual performances, particularly among the forward line.

Viktor Gyokeres, brought in as the solution to Arsenal’s attacking needs, has struggled to find form within this rigid system.

Observers have noted that the former Sporting CP striker has become a lightning rod for criticism as goal numbers for the attackers remain pitifully low.

There is a sense that the manager is no longer playing to the strengths of his forwards in the same manner witnessed between 2022 and 2024.

Psychological barriers

The profound irony for Arteta is that his obsession with increasing the statistical probability of winning is currently making a league title less likely.

By trying to control every outcome, the environment has become exhausting for a squad facing the immense pressure of a title run-in.

The psychological burden of this approach is evident, with the team’s biggest opposition currently appearing to be themselves.

Unless the Gunners can rediscover the freedom that brought them to the summit, their wait for a Premier League crown may continue.