The Premier League will put forward potential punishments for Manchester City to an independent commission after the club were found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges laid against them, it has emerged.
Reports last week revealed that City were set to appeal the landmark verdict, which has rocked English football to its core. But while the club have continued to protest their innocence in the form of a statement from their chairman since the news broke, the expectation is that serious penalties will be placed upon them.
Sanction hearing expected in coming weeks
While talk has moved to what the make up of any potential sanctions may be, The Times report that the Premier League will be able to submit their recommendations to a three-man panel when they sit for a sanction hearing in 'the next few weeks'.
Some figures with the league believe that only a substantial points deduction - which would make relegation all but unavoidable - would suffice, given the severity of the charges brought against City.
Previous penalty sets precedent
The Premier League previously recommended that a 12-point penalty be imposed upon Everton back in November 2023 for a single breach of the league's profit and sustainability rules. The panel ultimately decided on a 10-point penalty, which was reduced to six on appeal, but that breach in relation to Manchester City illustrates the magnitude of any potential punishment.
A transfer ban and a significant fine are other penalties which may be imposed on the club, while the Premier League could seek to expel them from the top-flight altogether.
Chairman maintains club's innocence
Khaldoon Al Mubarak's statement shared on Friday included references to previous messages from the club. City's chairman also said they have “irrefutable evidence” which proves their innocence.
“I have been part of this Club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul,” City's chairman wrote.
“This Club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again - how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today. Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I.
“Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began. There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position.
“But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies. Every word matters and holds true.”
