A Champions League for Inter? From losing trophies to relegation to the lower divisions, what is expected to happen with Manchester City

English football is facing an unusual situation following the decision of the Independent Commission, which found Manchester City responsible for more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

According to the decision, the club allegedly used various commercial contracts and agreements to artificially increase revenues and reduce costs by more than £900 million. Also, according to the commission, financial statements were submitted that did not reflect the club’s real situation, and UEFA and Premier League financial rules were breached.

Another important element of the case concerns cooperation during the investigation, for which City was found responsible for breaches.

Manchester City has the right to appeal the decision, and the deadline for filing the appeal ends on October 2. The case will be reviewed by a new three-person commission.

The Premier League has no automatic punishment for such breaches. Sanctions may include a fine, a points deduction or other disciplinary measures, depending on the decision of the relevant authorities.

One possible scenario is also relegation, if a points penalty were such as to drop City into the relegation zone.

A different situation would be the club’s expulsion from the Premier League. That would be different from sporting relegation.

In the event of expulsion, Manchester City would have to apply to return to the structure of English football through the Football Association and the English Football League (EFL). Under the rules mentioned in the reports, a club admitted in this way would start at the fourth tier of English professional football, i.e., in League Two.

The decision on a club’s admission to the EFL is taken by a vote of the 72 member clubs.

The case could also have consequences for other Premier League clubs, which could claim damages if the final decision affected the standings, trophies or European qualifications of previous years.

What about the trophies and the Champions League?

As regards European competitions, UEFA remains another institution that could examine the situation, but a Premier League decision would not automatically mean the removal of Manchester City’s European trophies.

In particular, a Premier League commission has no competence to remove the Champions League trophy won by City in 2023 against Inter.

Manchester City has denied the charges and is expected to follow the appeal procedures. The conclusion of the process will determine whether sanctions will be imposed on the club and what form they will take.