Man City 115 charges latest as player agents 'assess options' amid relegation punishment threat

The outcome of Manchester City’s legal battle against the Premier League is due to be groundbreaking whichever way the verdict falls. The Blues are adamant they are innocent on all counts of alleged financial wrongdoing.

However, should they be found guilty then the most severe punishments could be handed out, including relegation. If they are indeed found innocent, questions will be raised about the Premier League's governance.

Some analysts have argued that the reason behind the levelling of the charges back in February 2023 was partly an attempt to show self-regulation amid the looming Government bill regarding an independent regulator. Now, a high-ranking serving MP has given an update on the implementation of the watchdog.

READ MORE: Man City handed Premier League relegation verdict by lawyer amid 115 charges case

READ MORE: Man City charges hearing LIVE updates

Regulator to come within ‘weeks’

Should the Premier League lose the legal hearing, it might swell more support for the independent regulator given this outcome would have meant the league had brought forward charges without the required evidence or proof to back it up.

The league is thought to be strongly opposed to the regulator given the natural loss of legislative power the move would incur. But it seems the implementation of the Government bill might not be too far off.

Appearing on the BBC TV politics show Question Time on Thursday evening, Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons, said it could be a matter of “weeks” before the motion is rubber-stamped.

She outlined: “In a few weeks’ time we are bringing in a football regulator - which the Premier League and many others absolutely don’t want us to do.”

Agents ‘making exit plans’

Meanwhile, a report from the Daily Mail claims that the agents of some Manchester City players are assessing their options should the club be expelled from the Premier League upon a guilty verdict in their legal battle.

The three-person commission has powers to recommend relegation if the club are adjudged to have made serious breaches. The allegations can be somewhat categorised into illicit financing, un-cooperation and the breaking of UEFA and Premier League cash rules.

The report claims that agents are eager to hear of Man City’s plans should they indeed be chucked out of the top-flight for grievous missteps. This comes after speculation elsewhere earlier this week claimed that Real Madrid could make a move for Rodri if the worst does happen.

Man City ‘risk’ total expulsion from all cups

The Telegraph highlights that there is a danger Man City get kicked out of all competitions, not just the Premier League, should they be found guilty of serious finance breaches.

It refers to rules that allow cups to expel a club if they have had their league status stripped off of them.

It’s unclear whether the same would apply for European competition under Uefa. It’s worth reiterating that Man City claim to have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” that proves their innocence and clears their name.

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Manchester City wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title, but they missed out on another Treble with defeat in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. It's now time for Pep Guardiola and co to turn their attention to the transfer window.

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