Man City's Premier League relegation might NOT be worst case scenario if found guilty

Manchester City could face more than just an expulsion from the Premier League if they are convicted of breaking financial fair play regulations.

Labelled the 'Trial of the Century', City will take on the Premier League in court over claims involving 115 alleged breaches of FFP. The club is under scrutiny for reportedly failing to give accurate financial details for a nine-year stretch starting in 2009 and for not co-operating with ensuing probes.

Having denied any wrongdoing, Manchester City has assembled a top-notch legal squad to mount their defence, with outcomes not anticipated until early 2025. City could face ejection from the Premier League if the league are successful. Yet the consequences of a guilty verdict might be even more severe, threatening their participation in major competitions such as the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Club World Cup. According to The Telegraph, these are all at stake if the Premier League clinches its case against City.

The report highlights a specific aspect, clause 31, within the FA Cup regulations, which outlines: "Where a club has been admitted to participate in the competition but is then removed from the league in which it competes (or its league fixtures are suspended), the Professional Game Board [PGB] may remove the club from the competition."

The composition of the PGB, which includes representatives from both the Premier League and English Football League, could lead to further sanctions. If they were to be removed from domestic competitions, it might set off a chain reaction affecting European contests as well.

Manchester City remain optimistic about being cleared of the allegations, which involve providing inaccurate financial details. They assert