Manchester City are "most likely" to receive a points deduction after being found guilty of 114 out of 115 financial breaches in their case with the Premier League.
City have learned the verdict of their 12-week hearing, which took place in September 2024, on Friday (September 25). Sanctions are yet to be decided, and City are expected to challenge and appeal the decision, having always denied any wrongdoing.
Expert predicts sanctions
Dr Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and Senior Lecturer in Sport Business Management at Sheffield Hallam University, expects the side to be handed a points deduction.
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Dr Plumley said: "Now that City have been found guilty, all of those things [points deductions, fines, relegation, or titles stripped] would potentially be on the table as sanctions, and the Premier League could push for any or a combination of.
"It is really difficult to predict what any outcome could be, as there is no precedent. We will always be in the realms of speculation until we know.
"But if I were to speculate, I would suggest that a points deduction and fine would be most likely, with relegation and title stripping being the extreme, but unlikely, scenarios."
Appeal timeline unclear
When asked about a potential timeframe for an appeal, he added: "It is tricky to tell on timeframe linked to appeal as it could keep going on and on. It depends on what the verdict is and then what either side would do next, etc.
"But both parties have the right to appeal, and we have certainly already heard noises from City in the past that they would look to appeal and tie the Premier League up in litigation.
"These things are never straightforward, and you are dealing with power and egos too in the middle of this, which cannot be ignored."
