Manchester City could reportedly face a range of punishments if they are found to have breached Premier League financial rules - including 'expulsion' from the top flight.
It emerged this morning that, following a four-year investigation by the League, City have been charged with more than 100 alleged rule breaches.
Last season's champions have been under scrutiny by the League for alleged profit and sustainability breaches, the investigation now resulting in charges brought against the club relating to the 2009/10 campaign onwards.
LIVE UPDATES: Latest on Man City charges with new developments as we get them
CITY CHARGES: Man City charged with breaking number of Premier League financial rules
In addition, charges that specifically apply to 2018/19 onwards are in play - which seemingly concern alleged failure to co-operate with the investigation.
Liverpool and other rivals of City will now be keeping an eye on developments with interest.
Writing in the Times this morning, Martyn Zielger outlined potential punishments for City if the breaches are upheld: "It is believed that if the charges are proved it could lead to a range of sanctions including a points deduction or even expulsion from the league."
A report in the Independent added: "If the club are found guilty, punishment could range from a points deduction to a possible exclusion from the Premier League."
It remains to be seen if such punishments would be applied to seasons which have already been completed, if City are found guilty.
Under the 'Commission’s Powers' section of the Premier League handbook for the current season, punishment options are laid out as followers:
The initial block of charges levelled at City from "seasons 2009/10 to 2017/18 inclusive" includes the 2013/14 campaign, which saw Liverpool finish on 84 points - two behind City.
In more recent seasons, Liverpool finished just one point behind their rivals in 2018/19 (97 points to 98) and the same margin behind in 2020/21 (92 points to 93).
Whether an outcome will happen swifly from this point is doubtful, however. City are yet to respond publicly to the charges but a legal challenge remains possible.
As Mike Keegan from the Daily Mail tweeted: "Expulsion is among the Commission's potential penalties should City be found guilty. Worth noting that this may well take years to come to a conclusion."
Today's report from the Mail adds that City are expected to 'robustly' defend themselves.
The Independent's Miguel Delaney also posted today: "Figures involved don't seem to think any prospective punishments would be retrospective or 'looking backwards' (ie stripping titles) but this is all described as 'unprecedented'".
How should City be punished if they are found guilty? Register your vote in our poll below.
READ NEXT:
Graeme Souness slams Liverpool transfer plan and names three players who are being 'bullied'
Jurgen Klopp faces Mohamed Salah decision as Liverpool consider another midfield revamp
Liverpool player ratings as Joe Gomez terrible and six others awful in Wolves embarrassment
-
Jamie Carragher gives damning one-word verdict on two Liverpool players after Wolves defeat
What Wolves fans sang to Jurgen Klopp offers final insult as Liverpool hit new low
