Premier League clubs have reportedly come to an agreement over Manchester City’s punishment for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-year period.
An independent commission found City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them, ruling that they had used ‘sham’ contracts to disguise more than £830million in funding.
City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and have launched an appeal against the verdict.
Questions have been raised on how the Citizens should be punished, with Jamie Carragher calling for a multi-year ban.
A ripped emblem of Manchester City football club is pictured near The Etihad Stadium. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
Report from Sky Sports have now claim Premier League clubs ‘do not expect’ City to remain in the top flight next season if their appeal fails.
It has also been claimed that ‘many believe’ a points deduction would not be sufficient if it resulted in City spending just one season outside the Premier League.
The apparent consensus is that the rules must apply equally to every club, regardless of their size or status. Some clubs therefore reportedly believe it would be inappropriate for City to receive a punishment lasting only one season for alleged breaches spanning multiple years.
Expulsion from the Premier League is one possible sanction, although it would require 15 clubs to vote in favour. Other potential punishments include a transfer embargo, points deduction or financial penalty.
Despite this new update, previous report from The Telegraph state that some clubs believe the Premier League is stronger with City in it and that their absence could damage the competition’s global reputation.
