According to an exclusive report by Daily Mail journalist Oliver Holt, insiders have revealed that Manchester City are highly likely to be hit with massive points deductions that ensure the club is relegated this season, alongside further points deductions next season to ensure a stay of at least two campaigns in the Championship.
Sources close to the proceedings revealed to The Mail that Manchester City are unlikely to face the most extreme outcome—being expelled entirely from the Premier League and forced to restart from League Two at the beginning of next season.
Expelling Manchester City from the league would plunge both the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) into unprecedented chaos, an outcome deemed entirely counterproductive.
It is understood that the Premier League is pushing to announce the sanctions before Manchester City's appeal verdict is delivered, which is unlikely to arrive before the end of January. Messages relayed by insiders suggest the most probable sanction will take the form of substantial points deductions severe enough to guarantee Manchester City's relegation to the Championship, alongside a mammoth financial penalty.
The punishment could also incorporate subsequent points deductions, effectively keeping Manchester City in the Championship for at least another season. Regarding its member clubs, the English Football League is under no legal obligation to accept such punitive arrangements, though it is widely expected to do so.
Furthermore, the reporter pointed out that if Manchester City lose their appeal, it will become untenable for owner Sheikh Mansour—identified as presiding over long-term cheating—to remain in control of the club; allowing him to stay would undermine the authority of the Independent Football Regulator.
