Manchester City’s Premier League rivals are demanding that any sanctions arising from the club’s financial-rule case are imposed before the end of the season, according to reports.
The calls come after an independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations. The club denies any wrongdoing and intends to appeal the findings.
Rivals are understood to be pressing the Premier League for action that could affect the current campaign, rather than allowing the matter to extend into future seasons.
There is also pressure for a sanction that could result in Manchester City’s prolonged absence from the top flight. Any such punishment would have significant consequences for the club and the competition.
City could face further legal disputes if other Premier League clubs pursue damages claims. The club has been warned that such proceedings could lead to “years and years” of legal cases.
The club is also expected to owe the Premier League tens of millions of pounds in legal costs after being found guilty of virtually all the charges brought against it.
