Premier League club executives have reportedly held talks over expelling Manchester City from England's top-flight before a decision is made by the independent commission. City were found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over a nine-season period, as well as charges in relation to its failure to co-operate with the investigation.
Appeal and potential outcomes
City have appealed the independent commission's decision, with the club's hierarchy adamant they are innocent and remain committed to clearing their name. But if the appeal fails, the consequences could be devastating for the 2023 European champions.
One of the potential outcomes - which would be decided by the independent commission - is expulsion from the Premier League. However, according to the Independent, some club executives have already been scouring the rulebook to see if there's a way to accelerate proceedings.
Rule B6 and voting mechanism
That includes potentially voting City out of the league, which would be possible via Rule B6, where 15 clubs can - in theory - vote to expel City now. The report states it wouldn't be possible in practice, as they almost certainly wouldn't get enough votes, while it would also be challenged by City in the courts. But it illustrates the anger spewing out of boardrooms at Premier League clubs.
That doesn't mean to say City won't be expelled, as that is one of the options available to the independent commission. That would be considered somewhat of a doomsday scenario, given it wouldn't even guarantee City a spot in the English Football League.
Other sanctions and expert view
Alongside that, there has been talk of a hefty points deduction, transfer bans, and fines. And according to financial expert Stefan Borson, it's unlikely City get expelled, but that doesn't mean relegation isn't realistic.
He remarked: "Well, it's obviously pretty unlikely, but there's a storm at the moment and I think it's very hard to pick through what those sanctions might be. We're just not at that point yet."
"They're obviously going to be severe. We've spoken about it many times. From the very first day, I explained to people that the punishment would be severe and that City would be relegated."
"I think people now maybe understand that and maybe didn't understand it when I said it. But it's just inevitable that one way or the other, there's going to be a relegation of some sort."
"The question is the mechanism and what other bits and pieces they try and throw at the club. But obviously that depends on the appeal. But as we sit here right now, they couldn't have expected a worse outcome from this hearing."
