Manchester City players are worried about points deductions and relegation from the Premier League as a result of the club's recent guilty verdict over breaching financial rules, according to reports. The Premier League confirmed on Wednesday that an independent panel had found the club guilty of all charges brought in 2023, covering a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
A statement from the league read: "An independent Commission has found Manchester City FC guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period, and the majority of charges in relation to its failure to co-operate with the League’s investigation."
Appeal deadline and potential sanctions
While City are expected to appeal the verdict, they must exercise their option to do so by Friday, October 2. If that appeal fails, however, City could face severe sanctions from top flight officials.
While all potential punishments are purely speculative at present, City could be handed fines or transfer embargoes should the Premier League see fit. However, should officials choose to throw the book at the club, they could also risk being stripped of titles won between 2009 and 2018, huge points deductions, or even relegation from the league.
Dressing room concerns
It is the latter two scenarios which are proving particularly worrying for players in Enzo Maresca's dressing room, according to an agent who recently spoke with L'Equipe. The publication claims there is a feeling within the camp that a significant point deduction would inevitably lead to relegation to the Championship, in the event that the club are not automatically demoted.
More will follow on this breaking news story, and Mirror Sport will bring the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
