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 were slapped with 115 charges in February 2023 for allegedly violating the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules, a claim they have strongly refuted.
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 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, it is unlikely that the outcome will result in City's relegation. A minority of clubs within the Premier League are said to be 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 suggests that this scenario is not expected to occur this season due to the near certainty that one of the sides will appeal the decision.
The Times recently hinted that the verdict is unlikely to 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.
Out of the 115 charges, 54 are linked to allegations against the club for not providing accurate and up-to-date 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.
City's Premier League title challengers in the most recent seasons, and those when the financial allegations were made, are likely to be most interested in the situation, while the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea - who are challenging City for the Premier League title now - will be watching on closely to see what happens.