Manchester City Q&A: Appeals, EFL Prospects, Independent Regulator and More Explained

Kaveh Solhekol recently sat down with Sky Sports News to address a flood of fan inquiries following the independent commission's verdict that Manchester City breached Premier League financial regulations. While the club continues to deny any wrongdoing and has announced its intention to appeal the decision, the situation has sparked a cascade of questions about timelines, possible sanctions, the role of the English Football League (EFL), player contracts, and even the prospect of criminal investigations. Below is a comprehensive re‑phrasing of Solhekol’s answers, expanded with additional context to give readers a fuller picture of what could lie ahead for the Premier League giants.

**How long might the appeal process last?** RhydonDN asked whether the appeal could stretch on for months or even years. Solhekol explained that, under the Premier League’s own procedural timetable, Manchester City must lodge its appeal by Friday, 2 October.

Once the appeal is filed, the league aims to wrap up the hearing by the Christmas period – roughly a twelve‑week window. After that, a judgment is expected within thirty days, meaning the final decision on the appeal should be delivered early in the new year and well before the season concludes.

The appeal itself will be heard by a fresh three‑person panel, separate from the original commission. However, Solhekol warned that City could choose to take the matter to the High Court, alleging that the Premier League’s process was fundamentally flawed. A judicial review could extend the dispute for years.

Additionally, the Football Association (FA) might launch its own inquiry to determine whether any of its rules were breached, and four clubs – Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – have already signaled they may seek compensation, with other clubs likely to follow once the league’s process is finished. **Could the Premier League strip City of enough points to force relegation?

Would the EFL accept them?** Josh wondered whether the league could dock the maximum possible points to guarantee City’s drop into the EFL, and whether the EFL would then admit them to the Championship. Solhekol clarified that a sanctions hearing is still pending, and the same three individuals who delivered the original judgment will decide the final penalty. Their toolbox includes expulsion from the Premier League, a points deduction, a transfer ban, or a hefty fine. If the sanction is a points deduction that results in relegation, the EFL would almost certainly accept the club, given the commercial and sporting interest a club of City’s stature brings.

In the more extreme scenario of outright expulsion, the EFL would not be obligated to admit them automatically; the club would have to apply for entry, and the 72 existing EFL members would vote on the matter. Nevertheless, Solhekol believes the EFL would be inclined to welcome City because of the massive fanbase, media attention, and revenue they generate.

**What if the EFL refuses City entry?** Jonty asked whether the EFL could block City’s admission and what the consequences would be. Solhekol responded that, technically, the EFL could decide against admitting a expelled Premier League side, but he sees little reason for them to do so. The financial boost and global profile that City would bring to the lower tiers are hard to ignore, making a refusal unlikely.

**Would City still receive parachute payments if relegated by points deduction?** Ash was concerned about whether the standard parachute payment system would apply, noting that it is designed to support clubs rather than punish them. Solhekol assured that, should City be relegated in the usual manner, they would be entitled to the same parachute payments as any other club dropping from the top flight. The mechanism is automatic and does not discriminate based on the cause of relegation.

**Can the owners be forced to sell, and could criminal charges arise from alleged fraudulent accounts?** An audience member identified as "Owners test" asked whether the owners’ charter contains provisions that could compel a sale, and whether the submission of false accounts might trigger criminal proceedings. Solhekol explained that the newly established Independent Football Regulator (IFR) could intervene once the league process concludes. The regulator has the authority to remove directors and even require a change of ownership if it deems the club’s governance incompatible with its standards.

However, City maintains that they will be cleared of any wrongdoing, and any such drastic measures remain speculative at this stage. **Can the independent regulator actually force current owners out?** PolarBear sought confirmation on the regulator’s powers. Solhekol reiterated that the IFR does possess the legal ability to compel an owner to sell, but any such action would be far down the road and would only occur after a thorough investigation and due process.

**Why aren’t later seasons under investigation, given the damning verdict for 2009‑10 to 2017‑18?** Gooner2526 wondered why the tribunal’s focus stopped at the 2017‑18 season. Solhekol noted that the evidence presented to the tribunal only covered up to that point.

Much of the material originated from a leak by Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto, who accessed City’s email servers and supplied the data to German magazine Der Spiegel. Those disclosures sparked UEFA’s and subsequently the Premier League’s investigations, but the tribunal’s remit was limited to the information it received, which stopped in 2018. **Could the judgment lead to a corporate fraud investigation?** Dan asked whether the scale of the ruling could trigger criminal or regulatory probes into alleged false accounting.

Solhekol said that filing company accounts carries a legal duty to ensure accuracy. If false figures were deliberately submitted, the club could face charges under the UK Fraud Act 2006.

Additionally, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) might investigate tax and National Insurance implications, especially since the commission suggested that City paid certain individuals off‑the‑books. The National Economic Crime Centre could also launch an inquiry into potential breaches of the Fraud Act. While City continues to assert its innocence, these avenues remain open for authorities.

**If the punishment includes relegation, can players terminate their contracts?** MattC questioned whether players could walk away from their agreements if the club’s conduct is deemed irresponsible. Solhekol explained that contract termination is not automatic, but players could seek legal advice.

If they can demonstrate that they were misled about the club’s financial health or governance at the time of signing, they might have grounds to rescind the contract. However, most player contracts contain confidentiality clauses, and no public evidence suggests such termination clauses have been activated.

**Why was the hearing held in private rather than in a public court?** Matt H wondered about the lack of transparency. Solhekol noted that sports lawyers have criticized the secrecy, but the Premier League operates as a private association of 20 member clubs, each bound by a bespoke rulebook. The league argues that its internal disciplinary processes are confidential to protect the interests of its members, and opening them to the public could set a precedent that undermines the autonomy of the competition. In summary, the appeal timeline is relatively short unless City escalates the matter to the High Court, in which case it could drag on for years.

Potential sanctions range from points deductions to outright expulsion, each carrying different implications for the EFL and for City’s financial arrangements. The independent regulator and various governmental bodies retain the power to intervene on governance and fraud grounds, though no definitive actions have been taken yet.

Players may have limited recourse to terminate contracts, and the private nature of the proceedings reflects the league’s status as a closed, member‑driven organization. All eyes will remain on the outcome as the football world awaits the next chapter in this high‑stakes saga.