Manchester City could face a significant points deduction from the Premier League, but enforcing the full scale of the reported sanctions may depend on cooperation from the English Football League (EFL).
The current league leaders have lodged an appeal against 114 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules. The exact punishment, should the verdict stand, has not yet been determined.
Potential Two-Season Penalty
According to the Daily Mail, the most likely penalty would be a points deduction sufficient to guarantee relegation to the Championship. A potential second deduction in the following season could ensure the club remains in the second tier for another year.
EFL involvement becomes crucial at this point, as a second points deduction would require their help to implement the sanctions and guarantee City complete the appropriate spell outside the top division.
EFL's Role and Fine Expectations
As an independent body, the EFL is under no obligation to enforce any such punishment. Nevertheless, it is considered likely that the organisation overseeing the lower leagues would consent to prolonging City's penalties.
The club will also face expectations of paying an unprecedented fine for fabricating sponsorship deals and other financial violations committed between 2009 and 2018.
On-Field Performance and Possible Sanctions
Following a challenging start under Pep Guardiola's replacement, City have maintained an unbeaten Premier League record and secured seven victories from seven matches. They currently sit three points clear of reigning champions Arsenal at the summit following their 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
However, they suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League as Guardiola made his first Etihad return since their guilty verdict was delivered.
Various figures across the sport have demanded severe sanctions against City. Possible penalties being discussed include stripping them of their three Premier League titles secured during the period of their spending violations. Reports suggest the Premier League would prefer automatic relegation to League Two, the fourth tier of English football, though this is seen as more complex, which is why cooperation with the EFL becomes crucial.
At a minimum, it seems increasingly likely that supporters will not witness the club competing in the top division next season. The primary question now concerns the duration of that top-flight absence, with the EFL anticipated to have a significant influence on that verdict.
