Manchester City - Premier League Expulsion? Former CEO Suggests Severe Consequences for FFP Breaches
Rumours of Demotion to Championship and Pep Guardiola's Departure Surface Amidst FFP Violation Allegations
A former Premier League CEO believes that Manchester City could face "expulsion" from the Premier League if found guilty of breaching 115 Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The club was referred to an independent commission earlier this year following accusations by the Premier League of violations that took place between 2018 and 2019. The resolution of the case is expected "in the near future," according to Premier League chief Richard Masters.
Other clubs have faced consequences for breaches of financial rules. Everton and Nottingham Forest have been docked points for Profit and Sustainability rule violations, while Leicester City is expected to face a points deduction next season. Although Chelsea's financial situation has also raised concerns, much less has been said about Manchester City's case during the past year.
Recent reports suggest Manchester City might not face relegation to League Two but could be demoted to the Championship if found guilty of all 115 breaches. There are also rumors that manager Pep Guardiola could leave the club if City drops to the Championship. Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness stated that Guardiola's departure could align with the outcome of the case, pointing out that the manager has always maintained the club's innocence.
“He’s always said that he’s been given assurances that City have done nothing wrong,” Wyness told Football Insider. “But I think he’s coming towards the end of his natural time at the club anyway, maybe one or two seasons down the road. I think he may be ready for a fresh challenge."
Wyness further noted that Manchester City's potential punishment could be severe, with "expulsion" being a real possibility if they are found guilty of all charges. Given the Premier League's strict approach to FFP rules, expulsion might be on the table, with little room for appeal if the club is found to have obstructed the investigation.
“I think expulsion is on the table for Man City,” Wyness added. “How far down the football pyramid they could go, I don’t know. But I think it’s a genuine possibility because the Premier League have set the bar so high.”
Despite the speculation, the outcome of Manchester City's case is still uncertain, and fans will have to wait for the independent commission's decision to know the final verdict and subsequent consequences.
Thanks for reading, David Skilling
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Disclaimer: The thoughts and ideas presented are personal opinions and are for entertainment purposes only. The ideas presented here are my opinions at the date of writing and may change in the future.