Kaveh Solhekol recently sat down with Sky Sports News to address the flood of fan queries that have emerged after Manchester City was found guilty of every charge relating to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations by an independent commission. City continue to reject the allegations and have announced they will lodge an appeal, a deadline that falls on Friday 2 October.
In the live interview Solhekol covered a wide range of subjects – from the timetable for the appeal decision, to the possibility of a relegation to the English Football League (EFL), the fate of player contracts, and the potential involvement of an independent football regulator. Below is a comprehensive recap of his answers, expanded with additional context to clarify the process and its wider implications. **How long might the appeal 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 have until the Friday deadline to submit their notice of appeal. Once lodged, the appeal is expected to be concluded within roughly twelve weeks – a timeframe that would see the hearing wrapped up by Christmas. A judgment on the appeal would then be issued within thirty days of the hearing’s conclusion, meaning a final decision should be delivered in the new year and well before the season ends.
He added that the appeal will be heard by a new three‑person panel, distinct from the original commission. He warned, however, that City could choose to take the matter to the High Court, arguing that the Premier League’s internal process was fundamentally flawed or biased. If that route is pursued, the legal battle could extend for years, potentially dragging the case out well beyond the football calendar.
Additionally, the FA might open a separate investigation to determine whether any of its own rules were breached by the club or its staff. Finally, Solhekol noted that four clubs – Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – have already signaled their intention to seek compensation from City, and more clubs are likely to follow once the Premier League’s findings are finalised.
**Could the Premier League strip City of enough points to force relegation, and would the EFL accept them?** Josh’s question centred on whether the league could impose a points deduction large enough to guarantee City’s drop to the EFL, and whether the Championship would welcome the club. Solhekol clarified that a sanctions hearing will determine the exact punishment. The same three individuals who delivered the original judgment will sit on the panel and could impose a range of sanctions: expulsion from the Premier League, a points deduction, a transfer ban, or a hefty fine.
If the penalty is a points deduction that results in relegation, the EFL would almost certainly accept City, given the commercial and sporting interest a club of that stature would generate. Conversely, if City were expelled outright, they would have to apply for admission to the EFL, and the 72 member clubs would vote on whether to admit them. While there is no legal barrier to their entry, Solhekol expressed doubt that the EFL would reject them, as the financial and fan‑base benefits would be substantial.
**Is it possible for the EFL to refuse City entry, and what would happen then?** Jonty wondered about a scenario where the EFL declines to admit an expelled City. Solhekol answered that, technically, the EFL could refuse entry, but he could not envisage a reason for doing so.
The league’s primary concern is maintaining competitive integrity and financial stability, both of which would be served by incorporating a globally recognised club. **Would City still receive parachute payments if relegated by points deduction?** Ash asked about the financial safety net for clubs that drop from the Premier League.
Solhekol confirmed that any club relegated – regardless of the cause – is entitled to the standard parachute payments designed to ease the transition to a lower revenue environment. The mechanism does not discriminate based on the reason for relegation.
**Can the independent football regulator force a change of ownership or bring criminal charges?** Several users, including "Owners test" and PolarBear, queried the powers of the newly created Independent Football Regulator. Solhekol explained that the regulator could, after the conclusion of the Premier League process, investigate governance issues, potentially removing directors or compelling a sale of the club.
However, such drastic measures are unlikely in the near term, especially if City can prove its innocence. Criminal prosecution is a separate matter; if the club’s accounts are found to be deliberately false, authorities could invoke the Fraud Act 2006, leading to possible charges.
HM Revenue & Customs may also investigate tax‑related aspects, such as undisclosed payments that could affect National Insurance contributions. **Why were the hearings held in private rather than in an open court?** Matt H raised concerns about transparency. Solhekol noted that sports lawyers argue for openness, but the Premier League operates as a private association with its own rulebook.
Its disciplinary proceedings are therefore confidential, intended to protect the interests of its member clubs. While this lack of public scrutiny can be frustrating for fans, it is consistent with how many sports governing bodies conduct internal investigations.
**What about player contracts if City were relegated?** MattC asked whether players could terminate their contracts due to the club’s alleged misconduct. Solhekol said that contracts cannot simply be ripped up, but players could seek legal advice.
If they can demonstrate that they were misled about the club’s financial health at the time of signing, they might have grounds to terminate or renegotiate. However, most contracts contain clauses that tie players to the club regardless of league status, and any such disputes would likely be settled in court or through arbitration.
**Why does the evidence only cover up to the 2017/18 season?** Gooner2526 wondered why later seasons were not investigated. Solhekol explained that the tribunal only received evidence up to 2018, much of which originated from a leak by Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto, who accessed City’s email servers and passed the material to German outlet Der Spiegel. Those revelations sparked UEFA and Premier League investigations, but the tribunal’s remit was limited to the data that had been formally submitted, which stopped at the 2017/18 season. In summary, the appeal process is likely to be resolved within a few months unless City pursue a High Court challenge, which could extend the dispute for years.
The sanctions hearing will determine whether City face a points deduction, expulsion, or other penalties, each carrying different implications for their league status and financial obligations. The independent regulator, the FA, and possibly criminal authorities may become involved depending on the outcomes of the appeal and any subsequent investigations. Fans should watch for official updates as the situation evolves.