Premier League clubs expect Manchester City's punishment for breaching financial regulations to be handed down before the end of the season. The Premier League announced on Tuesday that City had been found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of its financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The charges included artificially inflating revenue by more than £900m through "sham" sponsorship deals.
Manchester City have repeatedly denied guilt and signalled an intent to lodge an appeal by the end of this week. The process, which has taken three years since City were charged, has raised fears that it could be drawn out for much longer. However, senior figures within football have told BBC Sport that they see no reason why the case cannot be concluded by the end of this season.
The Premier League's statement, formally announcing the guilty verdicts, said it wants the process to be "concluded as soon as possible". One section of the Premier League regulations says an appeal should conclude no more than 12 weeks after it is filed, and a decision should be made within 30 days of its end. Procedures can be hurried to meet certain deadlines, like the end of a league season.
Manchester City's punishment will be decided by an independent commission, with the Premier League board - and City - able to suggest a suitable punishment before the panel makes its decision. There is increasingly a desire to have the case resolved by the end of the season amid fears that allowing City to get to the end of the campaign without punishment could lead to uncertainty and farce.
City sponsor Etihad Airways has stated it is considering legal action against the Premier League. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates-based airline said it "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements". Etihad also expressed concern over the way the matter has been communicated publicly.
Etihad, City's main sponsor since 2009, said it was given no opportunity to engage in a process that now reflects "adversely on the airline". The airline will seek legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests. The Premier League declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport.
Manchester City cannot make a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), but could potentially claim the process was not impartial at the High Court. Ferran Soriano, the club's chief executive, has suggested the case will run for a long time. The final decision on City's punishment rests with the independent commission.
Key points
- Premier League clubs expect Manchester City's punishment to be handed down before the end of the season.
- Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations.
- City sponsor Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League.
