Premier League ‘leak reveals when Man City decision will happen’ and explains likely punishment
After waiting for over three years, Manchester City were told last month that they were found guilty of most of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League. While City’s appeal of this verdict is still pending, many people are curious about the possible punishment and when we might hear about it—and now, we might have some answers.
Many Premier League fans feel like the whole situation has been on pause while the appeal moves forward. City officially filed their appeal on October 1, and Premier League rules say that the process should finish within 12 weeks. This means the independent panel needs to give their verdict by December 25. Then, the decision must be made public within 30 days.
Because the legal process takes a break for Christmas and New Year, the panel could have until as late as February 8 to announce their verdict. But we might not have to wait that long, as the Daily Mail says the Premier League wants to announce City’s punishment before the appeal decision is out.
As for the punishment itself, it looks like City might avoid some of the harshest options people have been talking about. One of the toughest ideas was that City could lose all trophies won during the nine seasons the charges cover, and even be dropped down to League Two or the National League.
However, the Daily Mail reports that this “worst-case scenario” will likely be avoided. Instead, City might face a big points deduction that would probably cause them to be relegated at the end of this season, plus a hefty fine. It’s also thought that an additional points deduction could be added to stop City from getting promoted again next season.
If that happens, the English Football League doesn’t have to accept that punishment, but it’s expected they would. After all this, City would get a chance to start fresh, with the goal of helping the club rebuild while also serving their punishment.