The consequences for Manchester City are expected to be severe if its appeal against the independent committee’s ruling on violations of the Premier League’s financial regulations is unsuccessful.
According to Sky Sports, the other clubs in the league consider the matter so serious that they do not expect Manchester City to compete in the top flight next season if its appeal is rejected.
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The independent commission found the club guilty of more than 100 violations of financial regulations, spanning a total of nine seasons. The scale and duration of the violations have caused serious concern among the team’s competitors, who believe that a simple points deduction would not be a sufficient punishment if it resulted in City’s relegation for just one season.
As reported by Sky Sports, rival clubs hold the view that “the punishment must fit the crime,” while concerns are also being raised about the impact the case has on the Premier League’s image and credibility.
Manchester City, for its part, continues to deny that it has committed any violation and has filed an appeal, arguing that it possesses “a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” that supports its position.
The case is expected to be protracted, as the appeals process could continue into next year, followed by a hearing on the imposition of sanctions. The same three-member committee that examined the case will also decide on the penalty, after the Premier League submits its proposal and City’s legal team presents its arguments.
Manchester City’s rivals will not be directly involved in the penalty imposition process, but they have a strong interest in the outcome, as they believe the final decision will set a crucial precedent for how financial violations are handled in English soccer.
The case, which has already become one of the biggest legal battles in Premier League history, appears to be far from reaching a definitive conclusion.
*photo source: AP
