Sky Sports faces Man City dilemma after Premier League judgment

Tim Spiers says the broadcaster risks devaluing its own Premier League coverage if its pundits suggest City's matches have become meaningless while the club's appeal is ongoing. He argues that Sky could also face criticism if its coverage downplays the significance of the case.

Sky coverage of Man City under scrutiny Spiers pointed to Sunday's Super Sunday coverage of City's 3-0 win at Liverpool, describing the situation facing Sky as awkward. The broadcaster paid a significant share of the Premier League's £6.7bn domestic television deal announced in 2023 and continues to show City matches as part of its coverage.

City have appealed against the independent commission's findings, and no sanction has yet been imposed. The debate over how broadcasters handle the situation has already led Oliver Holt tocall for Sky and other channels to stop showing City matches liveuntil the club's punishment is decided.

City's appeal will be heard separately, with the process and possible outcomesexplained in our Man City appeal guide. On the pitch, City have won all six of their Premier League games this season.

Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored in Sunday's3-0 victory over Liverpool. not always at the same time.