Defending Premier League champions Manchester City could face relegation from the league among the hosts of other punishments after being charged by EPL for breaking financial rules across 9 seasons.
While relegation from the Premier League would be unprecedented, Manchester City may also get away with a points deduction, like Juventus, or may just be let off with a hefty financial penalty.
An independent commission will determine the proper measures after the league referred the matter over to them bringing an end to its four-year investigation of alleged breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
A Premier League statement read “In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4.”
The league has charged City with more than 100 breaches of rules.
Man City was quick to dismiss the accusations in their reply.
“Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with”.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position”.
City has already beaten this charge by UEFA when in July 2020 they had a two-year suspension from UEFA club competitions overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after initially being found guilty of “serious breaches” of financial fair play regulations between 2012 and 2016.
The Citizens have arguably been Premier League’s best team in recent years having won 4 of the last five league titles.
Pep Guardiola’s side sits 2nd in the league table behind leaders Arsenal.