Kaveh Solhekol recently tackled a series of viewer questions 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 they will lodge an appeal, with a deadline of Friday 2 October to submit their challenge. During a live segment on Sky Sports News, the chief correspondent addressed a wide array of topics, ranging from the timetable for the appeal to the possibility of a drop into the English Football League, the fate of player contracts, and the role of a newly‑created independent football regulator. Below is a comprehensive recap of his answers.
**How long might the appeal take?** RhydonDN wondered whether the process could stretch for months or even years. Solhekol explained that, under the Premier League’s own timetable, City must file their appeal by the Friday deadline. The league aims to finish the review within roughly 12 weeks, meaning a decision could be reached by Christmas.
A formal judgment on the appeal would then be issued within 30 days of that period, so a final ruling should arrive early in the new year and well before the season concludes. The appeal itself will be heard by a fresh three‑person panel over a five‑day session.
However, he warned that City could also pursue a High Court challenge, arguing that the Premier League’s procedure was biased or flawed. Such a judicial review could extend the dispute for several years. Additionally, the FA may open its own inquiry to determine whether any of its rules were broken, and four clubs—Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham—have already signalled they may seek compensation, with other clubs likely to follow once the league process ends. **Could the Premier League impose a points deduction large enough to relegate City, and would the EFL accept them?** Josh asked whether the league might strip City of the maximum points possible to guarantee relegation, and whether the EFL would then admit them to the Championship.
Solhekol clarified that a sanctions hearing will decide the exact penalty. The same three individuals who sat on the original commission will recommend the punishment, which could range from expulsion, a points deduction, a transfer ban, or a hefty fine.
If the sanction is merely a points deduction that results in relegation, the EFL would almost certainly welcome the club, given the commercial and sporting interest they generate. In the more extreme scenario of expulsion, City would have to apply for admission to the EFL, and the 72 member clubs would vote on the matter. While technically possible, Solhekol finds it unlikely that the EFL would reject such a high‑profile club.
**Is it possible for the EFL to refuse City entry, and what would happen then?** Jonty queried the consequences if the EFL turned City down. Solhekol answered that, in theory, the league could bar the club, but he sees no practical reason for doing so, given City’s brand value and fan base.
**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 responded that City would be treated like any other relegated side and would be eligible for the standard parachute payments, which are designed to ease the transition to a lower revenue environment. **Can the owners be forced to sell, and could criminal charges arise from alleged fraudulent accounts?** The "Owners test" asked about the owners’ charter and potential criminal liability. Solhekol noted that the newly established Independent Football Regulator may intervene once the league process concludes.
The regulator has the authority to remove directors and compel a change of ownership, although such an outcome is still far off. He also emphasized that City maintain their innocence and expect to clear their name.
**Does the independent regulator have the power to eject the current owners?** PolarBear received a similar answer: the regulator can indeed force a sale, but it remains a distant possibility. **Why haven’t later seasons been investigated, given the damning verdict for 2009‑10 to 2017‑18?** Gooner2526 wondered about the scope of the inquiry. Solhekol explained that the tribunal only examined evidence up to the 2017‑18 season because that was the material presented.
Much of the evidence originated from a leak by Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto, who accessed City’s email accounts and passed the data to German outlet Der Spiegel. Those disclosures sparked UEFA’s and subsequently the Premier League’s investigations, but the tribunal’s remit stopped at 2018. **Could the judgment lead to a corporate fraud investigation?** Dan asked whether the scale of the findings might trigger criminal or regulatory action.
Solhekol said that filing false accounts is a breach of the 2006 Fraud Act, and authorities such as the National Economic Crime Centre or HMRC could investigate. If the club knowingly misrepresented financial figures or avoided tax and National Insurance contributions, criminal charges are possible, but the outcome will depend on whether the relevant agencies decide to pursue the matter.
**If the punishment includes relegation, can players terminate their contracts?** MattC raised the issue of contract termination. Solhekol noted that players cannot simply walk away, but they could seek legal advice. If a player can prove they were misled about the club’s financial situation at the time of signing, they might have grounds to terminate the agreement.
However, most contracts likely lack explicit clauses covering such a scenario, and any action would require professional legal counsel. **Why was the hearing held in private rather than in an open court?** Matt H questioned the secrecy of the process.
Solhekol explained that the Premier League is a private organisation made up of 20 member clubs, each bound by its own rulebook. Sports lawyers argue for transparency, but the league treats the matter as a confidential internal dispute, not a public court case, which is why the proceedings were not open to the press or the public. Overall, the situation remains fluid. City have a short window to appeal, the sanctions hearing will determine the exact penalty, and multiple legal avenues—both sporting and civil—could extend the controversy for months or even years.
The independent regulator, the FA, and possibly criminal investigators may all play a role as the story unfolds.