Premier League to suggest Man City punishment to independent panel

Premier League to suggest Man City punishment to independent panel Manchester City are preparing for another long legal battle after being found guilty of all but one of the Premier League’s 115 charges against them. According to The Times , the Premier League also plans to recommend appropriate sanctions, while City will get a chance to present arguments in mitigation. City chief executive Ferran Soriano told European club officials in Copenhagen that the club strongly disagrees with the independent commission’s findings. They intend to appeal the verdict and could take further legal action if necessary. Soriano addressed the case at a meeting of European Football Clubs , making it clear that the Cityzens do not expect the matter to end soon. He told those present: “It has taken eight years to get here — and it’s going to take a lot more time.” After City were found guilty, an independent commission will decide what punishment they should face, and the Premier League will throw in its two cents where necessary. Other clubs have called for the full verdict to be made public, particularly given the length and seriousness of the investigation. There has been speculation about what the punishment could be. It could range from damaging points deduction to a transfer ban and financial penalty. The commission also has the power to expel City from the Premier League. There is already discussion within English football about whether a points deduction could be severe enough to put City at serious risk of relegation. Everton were initially given a 10-point deduction after being found guilty of a single breach of profitability and sustainability rules. It was later reduced to six, but it gives an idea of what City could face considering they’ve been found guilty of a much larger number of charges. City could also point to Chelsea’s treatment of financial breaches during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. Chelsea were fined £10 million by the Premier League and a further £10m by the Football Association (FA) over undisclosed payments involving agents, intermediaries and players. City believe that sets a precedent and any punishment beyond that would be harsh.