Manchester City's punishment for breaching Premier League financial rules should be handed down before the end of this season, senior football figures have told BBC Sport. The Premier League found City guilty of all charges related to breaches between 2009-10 and 2017-18, including inflating revenue by over £900m through "sham" sponsorship deals. City deny guilt and plan to appeal by the end of this week.
Senior figures see no reason the case cannot conclude by season's end, with one club official saying, "It benefits everyone for this to be resolved as quickly as possible." Another source said the process "should" be resolved, hoping any appeal would be "compressed." The independent commission holds the final decision, with the Premier League board and City suggesting punishments.
There is growing desire to resolve the case before season's end to avoid uncertainty, especially if City win the title. Premier League regulations suggest an appeal should conclude within 12 weeks of filing, with a decision 30 days later. Procedures can be expedited to meet deadlines. However, City CEO Ferran Soriano suggests the case may run long. City cannot appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but could claim partiality at the High Court.
Meanwhile, sponsor Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League, rejecting any implication of improper arrangements. The airline claims the league's public communication created damaging implications despite not being named. Etihad will seek legal counsel. The Premier League declined to comment.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing