Pep Guardiola
Manchester City are reportedly unlikely to face relegation, regardless of the outcome of their trial over alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
The club was slapped with 115 charges in February 2023 for allegedly violating the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules, a claim they have strongly refuted.
Aston Villa are claimed to be "sympathetic to City's stance", along with Saudi-owned Newcastle United and Chelsea, who have received billions of pounds in Saudi investment. Everton have backed Man City too and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis "might prove another ally".
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If found guilty of breaching the English football body's financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, the club could face severe consequences such as relegation, significant points deduction, hefty fines or even the stripping of all titles. The proceedings, which began in September, have been held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London (IDRC).
However, according to the Independent, the outcome is unlikely to result in City's relegation. It is reported that a minority of clubs within the Premier League are advocating for expulsion if the most serious charges are proven.
Yet, such an outcome would necessitate a special shareholders meeting and a vote of 15. The report further suggests that this scenario is not expected to occur this season due to the high likelihood that one of the sides will contest the outcome.
The Times recently proposed that it is improbable the verdict will be announced before the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reported that a conclusion could be reached in the 'spring or summer, reports the Manchester Evening News.'.
Out of the 115 charges, 54 are linked to allegations against the club for not providing accurate and current financial reports to the league from 2009/10 to 2017/18. An additional 35 charges are connected to the club's alleged lack of cooperation with the Premier League's investigation between December 2018 and February 2023.