The footballing world has been rocked this week with the news that Manchester City have been found guilty by the Premier League of over 100 financial breaches, and relegation could soon be on the cards.
As per the league’s official website, the reigning Premier League champions have been found guilty of financial irregularities stretching as far back as 2012. And as reported by the Times, City could face extreme punishments if found guilty, yet can the Manchester giants be relegated?
Can Manchester City get relegated?
As stated by former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson on Twitter, relegation to the Championship is completely on the cards for Pep Guardiola’s side. And whilst it will take some time for a full verdict to be decided, there is every chance that the five-time Premier League champions could be expelled from the league.
Alarmist or not, the sheer extent of the PL charges are at a level that IF found proven, must lead to relegation.
— slbsn (@slbsn) February 6, 2023
Indeed, with the Premier League investigation itself taking four years to conclude, a lengthy process could soon begin to determine City’s punishment. And although there is already a preconceived expectation that the Manchester side will only get a slap on the wrist, the reality is much darker for the Blue Moon.
As per the Daily Mail’s Nick Harris, City will not be getting away lightly with whatever punishment is coming their way. And whilst the process might take some time, Guardiola’s side could realistically face the possibility of being relegated from the Premier League.
For anyone saying "Nothing will happen", well this IS something happening. A massive raft of charges arising from Man City systematically cooking their books for years, as some of us have repeatedly reported.
— Nick Harris (@sportingintel) February 6, 2023
What other punishments could Manchester City face?
Relegation is easily the harshest punishment City can face if the Premier League find the Manchester giants guilty on their over 100 financial breaches, yet there are more fines that could be placed on the Cityzens if the nuclear option isn’t utilised.
As stated by many eager Arsenal fans on social media, a points deduction is likely if relegation is disregarded. Though unfortunately for Gooners, it is unlikely that such a verdict will be reached this season, with City more likely to start a new campaign on negative points.
Another stern punishment that City could be hit with is the abolishment of Premier League titles, something that will ring like sweet music to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, who could soon see their league title tallies go up a few figures if Guardiola’s successes are found null and void.