Can City survive this storm? Kaveh Solhekol fields your newest queries after the independent commission found them guilty of every Premier League financial breach.
City keep denying the breaches and say they will appeal – the deadline is Friday, October 2.
Read his answers in the latest Q&A…
‘We expect the appeal decision in the new year.’
RhydonDN asked: How long will the appeal take? Could it drag on for months or even years?
Solhekol said: “City must lodge an appeal by Friday, then the process should be wrapped up by Christmas – roughly 12 weeks.”
“A judgment should follow within 30 days after that period, landing in the new year and well before the season ends.”
“The five‑day appeal will be heard by a fresh three‑person panel.”
“If City challenge the whole Premier League procedure in the High Court, the fight could stretch on for years.”
“Also, the FA might open its own probe to see whether any of its rules were broken by the club or staff.”
“Meanwhile, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs have already reserved the right to sue for compensation; more clubs are likely to follow once the process ends.”
Possible sanctions and whether the EFL would admit City.
Josh asked: Could the Premier League strip City of every point they could earn this season to force relegation to the EFL?
And would the EFL even accept them into the Championship?
Solhekol said: “A sanctions hearing will follow, judged by the same three people who sat on the original commission.”
“They can choose from expulsion, points deduction, transfer ban or a hefty fine. We’ll have to wait for the decision.”
“If only a points cut sends them down, I expect the EFL would welcome them back.”
“If they are expelled, the EFL wouldn’t be obliged to take them; admission would require a vote by the 72 clubs.”
“Given City’s stature, the EFL would likely want them – wherever they land, interest and support would be massive.”
Jonty asked: Could the EFL block City’s entry? What would happen then?
Solhekol said: “Technically they could refuse, but I can’t see why they wouldn’t want a club of City’s size in the league.”
Will City receive parachute funds after a relegation?
Ash asked: If City drop via points deduction, will they get automatic parachute payments? And will the 2019‑onward period be investigated?
Solhekol said: “They should receive parachute payments just like any other relegated Premier League side. That’s the simple answer.”
How might the Independent Football Regulator intervene?
Owners test asked: Isn’t there a clause in the owners’ charter that could force a sale? Could criminal charges follow fraudulent accounts?
Solhekol said: “The new Independent Football Regulator may take an interest once the process concludes.”
“The regulator could remove directors and even compel a change of ownership.”
“City maintain they’ll never reach that point because they intend to prove their innocence.”
PolarBear asked: Can the independent regulator force the current owners out?
Solhekol said: “Yes, the regulator has that power, but we’re far from that scenario.”
‘Evidence presented stopped at 2018.’
Gooner2526 asked: The verdict hits 2009/10‑2017/18 heavily – shouldn’t later seasons be investigated too? Why isn’t that on the agenda?
Solhekol said: “I assume the tribunal only saw evidence up to that season.”
“Much of the material came from Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto, who leaked City emails to Germany’s Der Spiegel.”
“In short, the evidence presented stopped at 2018.”
‘HMRC could investigate, but time will tell.’
Dan asked: The judgment hints at massive corporate fraud. How likely is a criminal or regulatory probe into City’s alleged false accounting?
Solhekol said: “We’ll have to wait. Filing accounts carries a legal duty to be truthful and accurate.”
“If figures are deliberately falsified, the Fraud Act 2006 could be invoked – a serious matter that authorities may pursue.”
“HMRC might also get involved, since the commission said City paid people off‑the‑books, potentially evading tax and NI contributions.”
“That could trigger a tax investigation, but we’ll see if HMRC acts.”
“The National Economic Crime Centre could launch a probe for false statements under the 2006 Fraud Act, as company filings must be honest.”
“City still claim they did nothing wrong and remain confident their name will be cleared.”
Discussion of player contracts and possible clauses.
MattC asked: If the punishment is severe – say relegation – could players terminate their contracts due to the club’s misconduct?
Solhekol said: “Good question. You can’t simply rip up a contract, but you could seek legal advice.”
“If a player can prove they weren’t fully informed about the club’s situation when they signed, they might have grounds to walk away.”
“That would require legal counsel; I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility outright.”
“Contracts probably don’t contain specific clauses for a judgment like this, so it’s unclear.”
“No player will hand over their contract for us to review.”
Why was the hearing private, and could future reforms demand openness?
Matt H asked: Why was the hearing held in complete privacy? A public High Court session would bring witnesses and press, offering more clarity.
Solhekol said: “Sports lawyers argue these proceedings should be open and transparent.”
“The reality is it’s a private matter. The Premier League is an exclusive 20‑club association with its own rulebook.”
“Their rulebook mandates confidentiality, so opening the doors to outsiders isn’t feasible.”