By Ken Afor
English Premier League (EPL) champions, Manchester City and rivals, Chelsea Football Club, have been cautioned about potential expulsion from the English top flight if they are found to have violated Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Manchester City faces 115 charges, with their case set to be heard in the autumn.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s lavish spending could also land them in trouble unless significant sales are made this summer.
The recent disciplinary action against Nottingham Forest, which resulted in a four-point deduction for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, highlights the potential severity of sanctions for more serious infractions, as reported by The Sun.
Sports law specialists, Robert Glancy KC, alongside Mark Hovell and accountancy expert, Steve Holt, emphasized that penalties could range from a warning to outright expulsion from the Premier League.
The trio went on to say: “Where a PSR breach is ‘minor’, then it will be for other Commissions to determine if any points deduction is necessary, appropriate or proportionate.
“But if the breach is properly described as ‘major’ then it may be the case that even a very severe sanction such as expulsion is more appropriate.”
The recent deductions imposed on Everton and Nottingham Forest have prompted speculation among commentators about the potential consequences for Manchester City if they’re found guilty.
Former Liverpool defender and TV pundit, Jamie Carragher has gone as far as suggesting that the Premier League champions could face relegation to the National League North.
Similarly, boxer and Everton fan Tony Bellew has labeled the current situation “a disgrace” and has predicted that City could be relegated to the Conference.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has adamantly maintained that his club is innocent of the charges and has pledged to remain at the helm even if sanctions were to relegate them to League One.
While there is a speculation about the possibility of City being stripped of their trophies if found guilty, the club remains competitive, contending for titles in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Man City are currently third on the EPL table with 63 points, trailing Liverpool FC (64) and Arsenal (64) who are at the top.
The Citizens have also secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. They will play Real Madrid on April 9 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for the first leg.
Additionally, City is hoping to retain the FA Cup following their qualification for the semi-final after beating Newcastle United 2-0 last Saturday. They will play Chelsea next month.
