Manchester City’s future among the elite of English football appears increasingly uncertain. According to Sky Sportsseveral Premier League clubs would not expect to find the Citizens in the championship next season, if their appeal against the verdict of the independent commission were to fail. City were found guilty of breaches of financial rules after proceedings involving more than 100 charges, but are contesting the decision. For its competitors, the conclusions reached would show that the competition was distorted for nine seasons and a simple withdrawal of points would not constitute a sufficient sanction, particularly if it only resulted in one season of the club outside the Premier League. Some leaders would therefore demand a much heavier sentence proportional to the seriousness of the facts involved.
The pressure around Manchester City now goes beyond the Premier League leaders. Jesse Marsch, former Leeds coach, has publicly spoken out in favor of relegation for the Mancunian club. “ I think City should be punished severely. I think they should be relegated “, declared the current coach of Canada, affirming that certain financial data of the club had already concerned him when he worked in England. Manchester City have now launched an appeal to try to overturn the verdict, while their opponents are also concerned about the consequences of this affair on the image and integrity of the Premier League.
