Manchester City are facing growing pressure from rival Premier League clubs, with several executives reportedly demanding relegation or an even harsher punishment if the club’s appeal against the financial charges verdict is unsuccessful.
According to reports, some club executives do not expect City to be competing in the Premier League next season should their appeal fail. They believe a points deduction alone would be insufficient punishment for the alleged financial rule breaches spanning nine seasons and are pushing for more severe sanctions.
There is also reported support among some clubs for Manchester City to be expelled from the Premier League and prevented from entering the English Football League, which includes the Championship and divisions below it. Others are said to favour removing the club’s Abu Dhabi ownership.
These positions reflect the strength of feeling among some rival clubs over the case, although no final punishment has been confirmed. Manchester City retain the right to challenge the independent commission’s findings through the appeals process, and the eventual consequences will depend on the outcome of those proceedings and any subsequent sanction.
Meanwhile, City manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly held talks with his squad for the first time since the club was found guilty of the majority of the charges brought against them by the Premier League.
Maresca urged his players to remain focused, maintain a positive mindset and prevent the uncertainty surrounding the club from affecting their performances on the pitch.
The situation presents a significant challenge for City, whose players must continue preparing for matches while the club’s future in English football remains a subject of debate. The prospect of relegation or expulsion would represent a major sporting and financial consequence, although neither outcome has been formally imposed.
Nottingham Forest head coach Oliver Glasner has also called for a swift resolution to the case, warning that prolonged uncertainty could damage the Premier League’s reputation and undermine supporters’ confidence in the competition.
Speaking to The Times, Glasner stressed the importance of protecting the league’s integrity. He believes fans need to trust that the competition is being conducted fairly and that leaving major controversies unresolved for an extended period could affect their willingness to continue watching.
His comments add to the wider debate about how the Premier League should handle the case and demonstrate the importance of bringing the process to a conclusion.
For now, Manchester City’s immediate future remains tied to the appeal process. While some rival clubs are reportedly advocating the strongest possible sanctions, the final outcome and any punishment will depend on the formal proceedings rather than the demands of individual executives.
