Manchester City could face relegation to the Championship and a heavy points deduction as the Premier League reportedly considers punishment over alleged financial rule breaches.
According to the Daily Mail, the club could also receive a huge fine. Reports claim City were found guilty last month of more than 100 financial breaches between 2009 and 2018. However, the club disputes the reported findings, insists it has evidence to defend itself and has reportedly filed an appeal.
One possible punishment could see City start the 2027/28 season with an extra points deduction, making promotion back to the Premier League harder. Any punishment affecting the club in the Championship would need approval from the English Football League (EFL), although the report suggests the EFL is unlikely to reduce the proposed penalties.
City are not expected to be removed immediately from the Premier League and would finish their remaining matches. A direct drop to League Two is also considered unlikely.
The uncertainty comes despite City’s strong start under head coach Enzo Maresca, with the team recently recording seven straight wins.
Meanwhile, City are preparing to face AEK Athens in the Champions League. Maresca has confirmed that Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo could miss around eight weeks after injuring his knee against Ipswich Town on Saturday. Initial fears pointed to a worse injury, but scans showed less damage than expected.
Semenyo could return around December. The reported sanctions remain subject to ongoing legal proceedings, and no final punishment has been confirmed.
