Finance expert Kieran Maguire has cast doubt on the possibility of Manchester City being relegated from the Premier League, even if found guilty of the most serious among their 115 alleged financial rule breaches. Speaking on the Overlap Fan Debate, Maguire explained that while a significant points deduction could effectively relegate the club, outright expulsion is improbable due to the independence of the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL).
Maguire clarified that the charges against City are not 115 distinct breaches but three categories, with the most severe involving alleged fraud—where owner funds were disguised as sponsorship revenue. He stated that if found guilty of these charges, the club could face a massive points deduction, potentially between 60 and 100 points, based on the precedent set by recent penalties for Everton and Nottingham Forest, which were described as 'minor breaches' in comparison.
However, Maguire noted that relegation via expulsion is unlikely because the EFL is not obligated to accept a team expelled from the Premier League. He said, 'You can't relegate them because the Premier League and the EFL are independent bodies, so the EFL doesn't have to accept them.' Instead, a points deduction of the magnitude suggested would effectively relegate City by ensuring they finish in the bottom three.
The verdict from the independent tribunal, which has heard evidence from both City and the Premier League, is expected later this year. Both parties will have the right to appeal, though Maguire believes grounds for appeal are narrow, limited to claims of unprofessional conduct by the committee. He added that if City are found guilty, the entire board of directors should resign for misrepresentation.
