Man City could face ‘expulsion’ from Premier League

Man City could face ‘expulsion’ from Premier League as commission that deducted points from Nottingham Forest confirms potential punishment for ‘major’ FFP breaches

Manchester City have been warned they could face “expulsion” from the Premier League if found guilty of breaching FFP rules.

• Nottingham Forest and Everton docked points for breaches
• Manchester City facing 115 charges
• Club could face extreme sanctions

Premier League champions Manchester City and rivals Chelsea have both been warned they could face being thrown out of the English top flight if found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules. City are facing 115 charges and their case will be heard in the autumn. Chelsea may also find themselves in hot water due to their big-spending habits if major sales are not made this summer. The commission that docked Nottingham Forest four points for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules this week made it clear in their 52-written reasons the type of sanctions available for more serious issues.

Robert Glancy KC, sports law specialist Mark Hovell and accountancy expert Steve Holt wrote that available punishments “range from a warning through to expulsion from the Premier League”.

The trio went on to say: “Where a PSR breach is ‘minor’, then it will be for other Commissions to determine if any points deduction is necessary, appropriate or proportionate.

“But if the breach is properly described as ‘major’ then it may be the case that even a very severe sanction such as expulsion is more appropriate.”

News of deductions for Everton and Forest has already led some commentators to suggest City could be hit hard if found guilty. Former Liverpool defender and television pundit Jamie Carragher has claimed the Premier League champions could “end up in the National League North,” while boxer and Everton fan Tony Bellew has called the current situation “a disgrace” and has tipped the Cityzens to be relegated to the Conference.

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted his club are innocent of the charges and has vowed to stay on even if the club are sanctioned and relegated to League One. It has been suggested that City may also be stripped of their trophies if found guilty, but the Manchester outfit are likely to add more silverware before their case is heard as they remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.