Manchester City faces a significant penalty that will not see the team relegated to League Two, the English fourth tier, next season. Instead, the more probable outcome being considered is a points deduction that would ensure the Etihad Stadium club drops to the Championship, the English First Division, alongside a substantial fine.

Coach Enzo Maresca celebrates after Manchester City defeated Ipswich Town 3-2 in the Premier League at Etihad, Manchester, England, 17/10/2026. *Photo: AP*

Sources close to the proceedings indicate that the penalty could also include an additional points deduction, requiring Manchester City to remain in the Championship for at least one more season. The English Football League (EFL), which governs professional competitions below the Premier League, is not obligated to accept this punishment if applied to a club within its system. However, Sport Mail suggests the organization is highly likely to agree.

The Premier League is pushing to announce Manchester City's penalty before the club's appeal results are finalized. The appeal hearing is unlikely to conclude before the end of 1/2027, prolonging the uncertainty surrounding a case that has spanned many years.

In late September, an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of most of the 115 charges of breaching financial regulations brought by the Premier League. The violations, considered serious, relate to the period from 2009 to 2018. However, the club has not yet received a final penalty and has proceeded with an appeal.

The delay continues to cast a shadow over Manchester City's season. The team had an impressive start, winning all 7 opening rounds in the Premier League, despite coach Pep Guardiola's departure and Enzo Maresca taking over. Yet, on-field success cannot erase the financial issues the club currently faces.

Immediately removing Manchester City from the Premier League would have significant consequences for the league and the English professional football system. If expelled mid-season, where would Manchester City play for the remainder of the season? Would their previous results be nullified? These questions could disrupt the league's landscape.

Manchester City's inflated revenue from 2009-2018. *Graphic: Xuan Binh (AI support)*

Nullifying all of Manchester City's results would impact the competition among other teams and the Premier League's appeal. Such a penalty could also excessively affect fans, while the primary focus should be on the responsibility of the club's management and owners.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard publicly expressed his desire for Manchester City to face severe consequences for the advantages the club allegedly gained over rivals. However, punishment needs limits to prevent the situation from becoming a vendetta that harms the entire football system.

Manchester City needs to be punished but must also have a path to rebuild. Relegating the club to the lowest divisions might satisfy some fans' desire for retribution, but it may not bring long-term benefits to English football.

Another question is how Manchester City would survive without the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), the entity linked to the ownership of Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The club currently asserts that over 1 billion USD in sponsorship revenue comes directly from the Abu Dhabi government. If this ownership structure and financial source are impacted, finding new investors would also become a challenge, especially with the club's image already severely damaged.

The longer the process drags on, the more uncertainty harms the Premier League. Therefore, authorities need to make a deterrent decision soon, while also ensuring a pathway for Manchester City to restore its position if it meets the necessary requirements.

Hoang An (according to Sport Mail)