Manchester City's reported punishment plan, which could see the club relegated from the Premier League, depends on the cooperation of the English Football League (EFL), according to reports. The current Premier League leaders have appealed against their 114 guilty charges for spending breaches.
Potential Sanctions and EFL Role
If the decision is not overturned, the most likely punishment would be a points deduction guaranteeing relegation to the Championship, plus a possible further points deduction for the following campaign to keep the club in the second tier for another season, according to the Daily Mail.
As a separate entity, the EFL is not compelled to go along with any punishment, but it is described as probable that the organisation in charge of the lower divisions would agree to extend City's sanctions. City will also be expected to pay a potentially unprecedented fine for manufacturing sponsorships and other spending breaches between 2009 and 2018.
On-Field Performance Amid Uncertainty
Enzo Maresca's side remain undefeated in the Premier League and have collected a perfect seven wins from seven. They currently sit three points clear of titleholders Arsenal at the top of the table after beating Ipswich Town 3-2 on Saturday. However, they were beaten 4-2 at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League as Guardiola returned to the Etihad for the first time since their guilty verdict was announced.
Possible Punishments and Relegation Scenarios
Numerous figures around the sport have called for the book to be thrown at City in light of their financial offences. Potential punishments mentioned include being stripped of their three Premier League titles won during the years their spending offences took place.
It has been reported that the Premier League would favour an automatic relegation down to League Two, the fourth tier of English football. However, this is viewed as more problematic, which is where the need for synergy alongside the EFL comes in. At the very least, it appears increasingly likely fans will not see the club as part of the first tier next season, with the EFL expected to play a massive role in that decision.
