Manchester City’s punishment for the Premier League financial breaches case is expected to be known by the end of January, with an independent panel set to determine the club’s fate.
City are likely to appeal the current verdict, and that appeal must reportedly be submitted by Friday. The subsequent process could take several months, with 12 weeks allowed for a hearing followed by a further 30 days for a judgment to be delivered.
Manchester City punishment could face pressure from rivals
The lengthy case has already prompted frustration among football supporters, who face a further wait before the consequences for City become clear.
Other top-flight clubs are understood to believe that relegation to the Championship would not represent a sufficient sanction if the breaches are upheld. Although those clubs will have no formal role in the decision, they are expected to press for City to be removed from the Premier League for more than one season.
The independent panel will ultimately decide the punishment, while City have continued to maintain that they are innocent. The club has already sought to prolong the process and may attempt to do so again through an appeal.
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also offered his support to the club. In a statement on social media, he said: “I want every single @ManCity fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
The timetable means the final outcome is not expected until January at the earliest, extending one of the longest-running disciplinary processes in English football.
