Manchester City face possible Premier League expulsion in worst-case punishment scenario

Manchester City could face a record points deduction, relegation or even exclusion from English professional football after being found guilty of almost all 115 financial charges brought against them. The Premier League confirmed the verdict in an official statement on Tuesday, prompting widespread shock across English football.

The scale of any punishment for the 10-time English champions will be decided in a separate process. Potential sanctions include a substantial fine, a significant points deduction, a transfer ban or expulsion from the Premier League.

The most extreme scenario being discussed is relegation to the fifth tier of the English football pyramid, although that outcome has been described as "almost impossible". German newspaper Bild reported the assessment of English journalist Ben Jacobs, who outlined the possible worst-case consequences for Manchester City.

Could Manchester City be excluded from every English league? English broadcaster and website Talksport has considered an even more severe possibility.

It suggested that the English Football League (EFL), which oversees the three professional divisions below the Premier League, could be prepared to cooperate with the top flight. In an extreme case, that could involve Manchester City being barred not only from the Premier League but from all divisions within the English Football League.

Such a decision would remove the club from English professional football altogether. Jacobs said: "As far as I know, the Premier League is seeking a significant and unprecedented points deduction, and even relegation for Manchester City to the division below.

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He added: "I can also exclusively report that the English Football League is planning to review the decision if Manchester City are expelled from the Premier League and, out of solidarity, is prepared to support the Premier League's position and try to keep Manchester City out of the EFL as well." "That means there is a risk that, in the worst-case scenario, Manchester City will be completely excluded from professional football," Jacobs concluded. Unlike in most other countries, the fourth tier of the English football system remains a professional league.

The National League is the fifth-highest level of the English football pyramid, meaning relegation to that division would represent a dramatic fall for Manchester City. Punishment still to be decided The exact sanction remains unclear and will be determined by a separate disciplinary process.

The Premier League said the appointed commission had broad powers when deciding what penalties should be imposed.