Premier League rivals expect Man City to drop down after record breaches verdict

The independent disciplinary panel's decision, published last week, has hardened sentiment among City's competitors. According to Sky Sports, rival clubs believe a points deduction alone would be insufficient punishment for rule-breaking carried out across such an extended period.

City has launched an appeal against the verdict, maintaining their innocence and claiming "a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" supports their position. The club's legal team now faces a sanctions hearing scheduled before Christmas.

Other Premier League sides argue that punishments must reflect the severity and duration of violations. One season outside the top flight, they contend, falls short of justice for nine years of alleged breaches. The Everton precedent is instructive: the club received a six-point deduction in 2023 after appealing an initial 10-point sanction for a single Profitability and Sustainability Rules breach.

Rival clubs acknowledge self-interest plays a role—City's relegation would mean fewer drop-zones and open up a European qualification spot—but insist the overriding principle is that all clubs must respect the rules regardless of size or status.

The three-person panel that delivered the guilty verdict will decide sanctions after the Premier League prosecutors present their recommendation and City's lawyers make their case. Clubs expect this dispute to extend into 2027, with both sides entitled to appeal.