Kaveh Solhekol fielded a fresh batch of inquiries about Manchester City after an independent commission concluded that the club had breached Premier League financial regulations in every instance. Despite the damning verdict, City maintains that the findings are incorrect and have announced their intention to appeal, with a deadline of Friday, October 2, to lodge the challenge. During a live segment on Sky Sports News, Solhekol, the network's chief correspondent for the story, addressed a wide range of topics raised by fans and journalists.
He covered the likely timetable for the appeal, the possibility of the club being forced down into the English Football League (EFL), the fate of player contracts, the role of an emerging independent football regulator, and several other hot‑button issues. Below is a comprehensive recap of his answers, expanded with additional context to give readers a fuller picture of what may lie ahead for the Premier League giants.
**How long might the appeal process take?** RhydonDN asked whether the appeal could stretch out for months or even years. Solhekol explained that, under the Premier League's own procedural rules, City must submit its appeal by the Friday deadline. Once filed, the appeal is expected to be heard within roughly twelve weeks, meaning it should be concluded by the Christmas period.
After the hearing, a written judgment is typically issued within thirty days, so the final decision on the appeal would likely arrive in the new year and well before the season ends. He added that the appeal will be heard by a new three‑person panel, separate from the original commission.
However, Solhekol warned that City could choose to take the matter to the High Court, arguing that the Premier League's internal process was flawed or biased. A judicial review could extend the dispute for years, as the courts would need to examine procedural fairness and possibly order a fresh hearing. He also noted that the Football Association might launch its own investigation to determine whether any of its rules were breached by the club or its officials.
Finally, he mentioned that four clubs—Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur—have already indicated they may seek compensation from City, and other clubs are expected to follow suit once the Premier League's findings are finalised. **Could the Premier League impose a points deduction large enough to relegate City, and would the EFL accept them?** Josh wondered if the league could strip City of all the points they could possibly earn this season, effectively sending them down to the Championship, and whether the EFL would welcome them. Solhekol said the next step is a sanctions hearing, where the same three individuals who sat on the original commission will decide the punishment. Their options range from expulsion from the Premier League, a points deduction, a transfer ban, or a hefty fine.
If the penalty is merely a points deduction that results in relegation, it is likely the EFL would accept City, as the league would simply take over the club's place in the second tier. In the scenario of outright expulsion, the situation becomes more complex. The club would have to apply for admission to the EFL, and the decision would rest with the 72 member clubs of that organisation.
Solhekol believes the EFL would be inclined to admit City because of the massive commercial interest and fan base they bring, but technically the league could refuse. **What if the EFL refuses to admit a expelled City?** Jonty asked whether the EFL could block City’s entry and what the consequences would be. Solhekol answered that, while technically possible, it would be an unusual move.
He expressed doubt that the EFL would turn down a club of City's stature, given the financial and viewership benefits they would provide. **Would City still receive parachute payments if they are relegated by points deduction?** Ash was concerned about the financial safety net for relegated clubs.
Solhekol confirmed that any club relegated from the Premier League, including City, would be entitled to the standard parachute payments designed to ease the transition to lower‑league revenues. The rules do not discriminate based on the cause of relegation. **Could the independent football regulator force a change of ownership or bring criminal charges?** Several questions from "Owners test" and PolarBear touched on the power of the newly established Independent Football Regulator. Solhekol explained that the regulator does have the authority to remove directors from their positions and, in extreme cases, compel an ownership change if it deems the current owners unfit.
However, such actions are far down the road and would only be considered after the primary investigations and appeals are concluded. He also addressed the possibility of criminal proceedings. If the club’s accounts are found to contain fraudulent information, the directors could be prosecuted under the UK Fraud Act 2006.
Additionally, HM Revenue & Customs might investigate alleged off‑the‑books payments that could affect National Insurance and tax liabilities. The National Economic Crime Centre could also launch an inquiry into false financial statements.
All of these potential legal avenues remain speculative until formal investigations are launched. **Will players be able to terminate their contracts if City is punished severely?** MattC asked whether a relegation or expulsion could give players the right to walk away from their contracts. Solhekol noted that contracts cannot simply be ripped up, but players could seek legal advice to argue misrepresentation if they can prove they were not fully informed about the club’s financial situation at the time of signing.
Some contracts may contain specific clauses relating to relegation or breach of regulations, but the exact terms are private. **Why was the hearing held in private rather than in an open court?** Matt H questioned the secrecy surrounding the Premier League hearing. Solhekol explained that the Premier League operates as a private association of 20 member clubs, each bound by a bespoke rulebook that allows for confidential proceedings.
While sports lawyers argue for greater transparency, the league maintains that its internal matters are not subject to public access in the same way as a High Court case. **What about investigations into seasons after 2018?** Gooner2526 wondered why the tribunal only examined evidence up to the 2017/18 season.
Solhekol clarified that the evidence presented was largely derived from material leaked by Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto, who accessed City’s email servers and passed the data to German magazine Der Spiegel. Those leaks were published in 2018 and formed the basis for UEFA and Premier League investigations. As a result, the tribunal’s remit was limited to the period covered by that material.
In summary, the appeal process is expected to be relatively swift unless City pursues a High Court challenge, which could dramatically extend the timeline. The sanctions hearing will determine whether City faces a points deduction, expulsion, or other penalties, each carrying different implications for their league status and financial obligations. Meanwhile, the independent regulator, the FA, and possibly criminal authorities remain on standby to act if further wrongdoing is uncovered.
The situation continues to evolve, and fans should stay tuned for official updates as the various bodies work through their respective procedures.