The Manchester City case is being described as the biggest scandal in the history of English football. Two weeks after the Premier League independent commission published its findings against the club, Sky Sports News Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol breaks down where things stand.
City were first charged three years ago, and the process has taken this long because the case is the biggest of its kind. The Premier League want a quick resolution, while City, with unlimited funds, are exploring every legal avenue open to them. The club has an interest in ensuring that everything is done strictly according to the rules, given the size of the potential outcome.
The same three-person panel that heard evidence at the 42-day hearing in 2024 and delivered its core decision will rule on sanctions. The Premier League, acting as prosecutors, will recommend sanctions while City's lawyers make their case. The sanctions hearing can take place while the appeal runs its course, and both sides can appeal the sanctions decision. Any sanctions decision, if upheld, would be final subject to a High Court challenge by City. Expulsion from the Premier League would also require a club vote.
City lodged their appeal on Thursday October 1. Under new rules this season, the appeal must be heard within 12 weeks and can last up to five days. City may argue that these rules should not apply because they were charged in 2023, before the rules were introduced. The five-day appeal, heard by a new three-person panel, must be finished by mid-December, with a verdict due within 30 days of the hearing ending.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing