Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: General view inside the stadium with a close up of the corner flag prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Manchester City should expect a 'big verdict' against the football club, despite an upcoming appeal, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
The Premier League juggernauts were found guilty on all charges of serious financial rule breaches from 2009 to 2018 by an independent commission and now await to hear their fate when it comes to a punishment.
Man City maintain that they are innocent and an appeal process is underway, with a 'comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence' reportedly ready to be shown to the appeal board.
Kieran Maguire: Man City should expect 'big verdict'
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Maguire has been following the saga and now provides an update on the timeline for the appeal process and potential punishment.
He said: "I think we will get a sanctions announcement [in the next few weeks], it could have taken place already, but then it will be appealed, and I anticipate the appeal will be appealed if it doesn't go Manchester City's way and we'll move away from the Premier League-appointed commission into the civil courts and that's when things will really get bogged down.
"My gut reaction is a big verdict against Manchester City, but it won't be implemented this season."
Man City officially lodged the club's appeal on October 1 and formal dates for the process remain subject to legal discussions.
Premier League guidelines suggest that appeals should be concluded within 12 weeks from first being filed, with a maximum 30-day period for the board to then deliver a final verdict.
Micah Richards urges Man City to publish proof
Micah Richards
Micah Richards
A ruling would put an end to rife speculation as to how Man City will be punished, with rumours stretching from points deduction to transfer embargoes and being stripped of previous Premier League titles.
Enzo Maresca's side looked unbothered by the noise hanging over them on Sunday, putting in a purring performance against Liverpool and claiming a 3-0 victory at Anfield. That result maintains Man City's 100% winning start to the campaign, with the Cityzens sitting top of the Premier League table.
The charges have been the centre of discussion among pundits, ever since confirmed by the Premier League. Speaking on Sky Sports before the meeting with Liverpool, Micah Richards issued an emotional plea to the club to publish the evidence they claim will aid them in an appeal.
The 38-year-old, who is a product of the Man City academy and won the 2012 Premier League title with the side, said: "I feel devastated, I would say.
Key Events Timeline
September 2024 — Independent commission's 10-week hearing into City's 115 charges began in private.
August 2026 — Case remained unresolved as the new Premier League season kicked off.
"More because of what the fans have had to go through and endure over this period. All the noise around Man City - what should happen and what shouldn't happen - and I put my neck on the line for this club.
"They've given me this amazing opportunity to go all the way through the academy and then break into the first team. I won the FA Cup, moved on to the Premier League. So, for that to be in question now is very confusing.
"You've got one side saying there's charges, you've got Man City's side saying they've got irrefutable evidence, and it just leaves a situation for me, for the fans, for everyone at the club. So devastating."
Manchester City fans with a banner in support of Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak following Premier League charges
Manchester City fans with a banner in support of Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak following Premier League charges