Kaveh Solhekol fielded a series of fresh queries about Manchester City after an independent commission concluded that the club had breached Premier League financial regulations in every charge. City continue to reject the findings and have announced that they will lodge an appeal, with a deadline of Friday 2 October to submit their challenge.
During a live interview on Sky Sports News, the chief correspondent tackled a wide array of topics submitted by fans and journalists. He explained the likely timetable for the appeal, the possible consequences for the club – including a points deduction, expulsion or other sanctions – and how those outcomes could affect the club's status in the English Football League (EFL).
He also addressed the fate of player contracts, the role of the newly created Independent Football Regulator, potential criminal investigations, and the possibility of other clubs seeking compensation. Below is a detailed recap of the Q&A, re‑phrased and expanded for clarity. **RhydonDN – How long might the appeal take?
Could it drag on for months or even years?** Solhekol explained that the Premier League’s internal process is relatively swift. "City have until Friday to file their appeal.
Once that is done, the league aims to wrap up the review by Christmas – roughly a twelve‑week window. After the twelve weeks, a judgment is expected within thirty days, meaning the final decision on the appeal should be handed down early in the new year and well before the season concludes.
The appeal itself will be heard by a fresh three‑person panel over five days." He added a caveat: "If City decide to take the matter to the High Court, arguing that the Premier League’s procedure was flawed, that could extend the dispute for years. The FA might also open a separate investigation into whether any of its own rules were broken.
Meanwhile, four clubs – Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham – have already reserved the right to sue City for compensation, and more clubs are likely to follow once the league process ends." **Josh – Could the Premier League deduct enough points to guarantee City’s relegation? Would the EFL accept them in the Championship?** Solhekol said the sanctions hearing will be conducted by the same three individuals who delivered the original judgment. "They have a menu of penalties: outright expulsion from the Premier League, a points deduction, a transfer ban, or a hefty fine. We’ll have to wait and see which option they choose." If the penalty is a points deduction that results in relegation, Solhekol expects the EFL would admit the club because of its commercial appeal.
"If City are simply relegated, the Championship would almost certainly welcome them. However, if they are expelled from the top flight, the EFL would need to consider a formal application for admission, and the 72 member clubs would vote on it.
Given City’s size and fan base, the league would likely be inclined to accept them, but the process would be more formal." **Jonty – Could the EFL refuse City entry, and what would happen then?** Solhekol answered that, technically, the EFL could reject the club, but he finds it hard to imagine why they would. "If City are expelled, the EFL could decide they don’t want to admit them, but that would be an unusual move given the financial and viewership benefits the club brings." **Ash – If City are relegated by points, will they still receive parachute payments? And will seasons after 2019 be examined?** Solhekol confirmed that parachute payments are tied to relegation, not to the reason behind it.
"Any club that drops from the Premier League receives the standard parachute package, so City would be no different. As for investigations beyond 2019, the current tribunal only considered evidence up to 2018, so later seasons have not been examined yet." **Owners test – Could the owners be forced to sell under the owners’ charter, or face criminal charges for alleged fraudulent accounts?** He explained that the Independent Football Regulator, which has recently been established, could intervene once the league process concludes.
"The regulator has the authority to remove directors and even compel a change of ownership if it deems it necessary. However, City maintain that they are innocent and expect the regulator to find no cause for such drastic action." **PolarBear – Can the regulator actually force the current owners out?** Solhekol reiterated that the regulator does possess that power, but emphasized that it is a distant possibility at this stage.
"The regulator can order an owner to sell, but we are far from that scenario." **Gooner2526 – The verdict covered 2009/10‑2017/18; why aren’t later seasons being investigated?** He noted that the evidence presented to the tribunal was limited to those years. "Much of the material came from a Portuguese hacker, Rui Pinto, who accessed City’s email accounts and supplied the data to Der Spiegel. Those leaks sparked UEFA’s and the Premier League’s investigations, but the tribunal only received evidence up to 2018, so later seasons remain outside the scope of the current case." **Dan – The judgment hints at possible corporate fraud. Could there be a criminal or regulatory probe?** Solhekol said a criminal investigation is plausible but not guaranteed.
"Filing false accounts breaches the Fraud Act 2006 and could attract serious charges. HM Revenue & Customs may also look into off‑the‑books payments that could affect National Insurance and tax liabilities.
The National Economic Crime Centre might launch its own inquiry. At present, we are waiting to see whether any authorities decide to act." **MattC – If City are relegated, could players terminate their contracts because of the club’s misconduct?** He clarified that contracts cannot simply be ripped up, but players could seek legal advice.
"If a player can prove they were misled about the club’s financial situation when they signed, they might have grounds to terminate. It would depend on the specific clauses and the advice of legal counsel." **Matt H – Why was the hearing held in private rather than in an open court?** Solhekol explained that the Premier League operates as a private association of twenty clubs, each bound by its own rulebook.
"Sports lawyers argue for transparency, but the league treats these proceedings as confidential matters reserved for its members. Opening the doors to the public would conflict with the league’s internal governance structure." In summary, the appeal process is expected to be concluded within a few months unless City pursue a High Court challenge, which could extend the dispute for years. The possible sanctions range from a points deduction to full expulsion, each carrying different implications for the club’s future in the EFL.
The Independent Football Regulator may later assess ownership issues, while criminal investigations remain a distinct, albeit uncertain, possibility. Players, other clubs, and governing bodies all have potential avenues for legal recourse as the situation unfolds.