Manchester City cannot be relegated from the Premier League, even if found guilty of the 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
The case, which has been ongoing for two years, saw City and the Premier League present their arguments to an independent tribunal in late 2024.
A verdict is expected this year, with both parties having the right to appeal. City have denied the charges, but if found guilty, they could face severe penalties.
Maguire suggested that relegation would be challenging to enforce, as the English Football League (EFL) is not obligated to accept City if expelled from the Premier League. However, a significant points deduction could effectively result in relegation to the Championship.
Speaking on the *Overlap Fan Debate*, Maguire clarified:
“There are actually three core charges against City, not 115. If funds from the owners were misrepresented as sponsorship income, that constitutes fraud—one of the most serious accusations in football finance. If proven, City could face a massive points deduction.”
Maguire explained that expulsion is unlikely due to the Premier League and EFL operating as separate entities:
“You can’t relegate [expel] them because the EFL doesn’t have to accept them. But given the gravity of the charges—described as major breaches spanning nearly a decade—a points deduction of 60 to 100 points could occur, effectively relegating them.”
He also expressed doubt over the success of any potential appeal, noting that appeals can only challenge procedural misconduct by the tribunal.
“If City are found guilty, the entire board of directors would need to resign, having been found guilty of misrepresentation and effectively lying to a commission,” Maguire added.
Currently, Liverpool sit 12 points ahead of City with a game in hand, as Arne Slot’s side look to break City’s four-season dominance in the Premier League title race.
