A large portion of the Premier League clubs want Manchester City kicked out of the Premier League if they are found guilty of financial doping, it has emerged.
The Etihad club have been referred by the Premier League to an independent commission for over 100 alleged breaches of financial regulations across a nine year span, as well as the five more recent years for failing to aid their initial investigation.
The breaches essentially accuse the Cityzens of dodging financial fair play, inflating sponsorship deals and paying inappropriate amounts to both players and managers, with the majority of the breaches “in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs”.
During that time, the club won the Premier League on three occasions, as well as three Carabao Cups and an FA Cup trophy.
Beijing, China. 28th Feb, 2016. Manchester City players celebrate after winning the League Cup final between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain on Feb. 28, 2016. © Han Yan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News FK278C Beijing, China. 28th Feb, 2016. Manchester City players celebrate after winning the League Cup final between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain on Feb. 28, 2016. © Han Yan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
Should they be found guilty, there are a wide range of punishments on offer, ranging from a simple fine to points deduction, having their trophies won during that period stripped from them and even being kicked out of the Premier League.
And, according to reports, it is the latter that most clubs are pushing for, with plenty of the opinion that retro-actively taking away titles already celebrated would have little effect.
However, they add, “Premier League clubs do not want to get involved in the process, which is in the hands of an independent commission.”
It is believed that it could take years for a decision to be made, with Manchester City ready to ‘robustly’ defend themselves over the charges.