Removing Manchester City from the Premier League could have major financial consequences for the competition and its other clubs, according to senior figures within English football.
City are appealing the findings against them over serious breaches of Premier League financial rules, with any eventual sanction still to be determined. Expulsion is among the possible punishments available, although no decision has been made.
Premier League executives warn over Man City impact
Sky Sports reports that two senior executives at different Premier League clubs would be “staggered” or “amazed” if enough clubs supported expelling City. One described such a move as a “self-inflicted commercial disaster”.
The concern centres on the value City bring to broadcasters and sponsors. Their removal could mean fewer high-profile fixtures and potentially prompt broadcasters to seek refunds, while commercial agreements across the league could also be affected.
City have become one of the competition’s biggest global attractions during their period of sustained success, with players including Erling Haaland and Phil Foden adding to that appeal. One executive argued that removing the club could therefore cost City’s rivals significant sums as well.
There is a contrasting view within the Premier League. Some clubs are said to believe keeping City in the competition following serious rule breaches could cause greater long-term damage to its reputation, making short-term financial losses necessary to protect confidence in the league’s integrity.
That debate remains hypothetical while City’s legal challenge continues. The club lodged its appeal earlier this month and maintains it is innocent, arguing that the findings against it contain material errors of law, principle and fact.
The outcome of that appeal will determine what happens next. Until then, the differing views among Premier League executives underline the difficult balance between the competition’s commercial interests and the need to demonstrate that its rules are enforced.
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