Man City appeal and sanctions hearing expected before Christmas as rivals predict relegation if appeal fails

Rival Premier League clubs do not expect Manchester City to be playing in the top flight next season if the club's appeal against the guilty verdict in the financial rules case fails, according to a Sky Sports report on Wednesday.

The report sets out how the next stage of the case is expected to unfold, with City's appeal and a separate hearing on sanctions both expected to take place before Christmas.

Where the case stands

An independent commission found City guilty of all the charges it examined, covering more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules over nine seasons from 2009/10. The commission concluded that more than GBP830 million of owner funding had been used to inflate the club's revenues through what it described as sham arrangements.

City deny any wrongdoing. The club lodged an appeal on 1 October, calling the commission's decision unsafe and saying it contains material errors, while promising to respect due process.

How the appeal works

The appeal will be heard by a new independent Appeal Board of three members, different from the original panel, and chaired by someone who has held judicial office. Under Premier League rules the hearing can last no more than five days, the panel then has 30 days to deliver its judgement, and the whole process should finish within 12 weeks of the appeal being lodged.

That points to a conclusion around the week before Christmas. However, City could argue that the faster timetable should not apply because the charges and the original 2024 hearing came before the rule was introduced. If that argument succeeds, the process could run into 2027.

What happens on sanctions

Any punishment will be decided by the same three-person commission that delivered the guilty verdict. The Premier League, acting as prosecutor, will recommend a sanction, and that hearing could run alongside the appeal. Rival clubs will not take part.

Both sides will be able to appeal whatever sanction is handed down, which means the dispute could continue well into next year.

The most recent comparable case is Everton's in 2023. The league asked for a 12-point deduction, Everton were first docked 10 points, and that was reduced to six on appeal.

Why rivals want more than a points deduction

Sky Sports reports that many clubs believe a points deduction would not be enough if it only cost City one season outside the top flight, given the breaches spanned several seasons. Clubs are also concerned about the cost of the dispute and the damage to the league's image.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, now a pundit, has argued that the sanctions need to be settled this season.

City still top of the table

On the pitch, Pep Guardiola's side lead the Premier League, three points clear of champions Arsenal. They return after the international break with a trip to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday 10 October.

Key takeaways

• City were found guilty of all charges examined, covering more than 100 breaches over nine seasons.
• City lodged an appeal on 1 October and deny wrongdoing.
• The appeal and the sanctions hearing are both expected before Christmas, though City may try to extend the timetable.
• Rival clubs reportedly expect City to be out of the Premier League next season if the appeal fails.

FAQ

Have Manchester City been punished yet? No. The commission has found City guilty, but sanctions will be decided at a separate hearing that has not yet taken place.

Who will hear Manchester City's appeal? A new three-member independent Appeal Board, chaired by a person who has held judicial office.

When could the case be resolved? Under current rules the appeal should be completed within 12 weeks of 1 October, around Christmas, but either side can appeal any sanction, so the case could run into 2027.

Sources: Sky Sports, Al Jazeera