Two high‑ranking officials from separate elite Premier League clubs have told Sky Sports News that they would be "staggered" and "astonished" if a majority of the 20 clubs ever voted to remove Manchester City from the competition. They argue that such a step would amount to a "self‑inflicted commercial disaster" for the whole league.
The independent commission that is reviewing the City case has a menu of possible penalties. In addition to the most severe sanction—expulsion from the Premier League—it can impose a hefty fine, dock points, or place a transfer embargo on the club. Earlier this week the commission concluded that Manchester City had breached 114 of the 115 financial‑regulation charges levelled against it, a finding the club has flatly rejected and vowed to contest in the courts.
Sky Sports News reports that discussions are still ongoing among the owners and chief executives of the other Premier League teams. Many are weighing their own legal options, including whether they could bring a financial claim against City if the club is found to have gained an unfair advantage. The debate is not limited to punitive measures; it also touches on the broader commercial ecosystem that the league has built around its most high‑profile clubs.
A surprising twist in the conversation is the growing consensus among several rival clubs that Manchester City is a key driver of the Premier League’s global appeal. One unnamed executive warned that voting to expel City would be "cutting off their noses to spite their faces," because the club’s brand, star players and on‑field success attract sponsors, broadcasters and fans worldwide. Removing the club would therefore jeopardise the revenue streams of every other member. "If City were expelled, the commercial fallout would be massive for everyone," the executive said.
"Broadcasters would likely demand refunds for the loss of marquee fixtures, and sponsors could pull back funding across the board. The league’s marketability would take a serious hit, and the other clubs would feel the financial pain." He added that an expulsion occurring during the current or next season would leave the schedule with only 19 teams, disrupting the fixture list and diminishing the product that broadcasters sell to international markets. Beyond the immediate financial impact, the removal of Manchester City would raise questions about the futures of its star players—Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and others. Their potential departures or forced moves to other leagues would further erode the Premier League’s star power, making the competition less attractive to viewers and advertisers alike.
One source summed up the risk succinctly, describing expulsion as "a risk not worth taking." There is, however, a counter‑current of opinion among a minority of top clubs. Some argue that keeping City in the top flight despite serious breaches could damage the league’s integrity and long‑term brand. They contend that a prolonged exclusion, even if it brings short‑term financial loss, might be necessary to preserve the competition’s reputation and to send a clear message about compliance with financial rules. These differing viewpoints will not influence the independent commission’s recommendation, but they could become pivotal if the clubs are called upon to vote on the sanction.
Should the commission advise expulsion and the Premier League clubs reject it, the situation would be unprecedented. It is unclear what further penalties could be levied against City in that scenario, leaving a legal and regulatory gray area. The conversation also extends beyond the Premier League. Sky Sports News spoke with representatives from the Championship about the hypothetical scenario of City dropping into the second tier.
If City were expelled, the Football Association and the English Football League would have to decide where the club would be placed, potentially requiring a vote among all 72 clubs in the top two divisions. A points‑deduction sanction that forces relegation is also on the table; a severe deduction could see City finish in the relegation zone and descend to the Championship.
One Championship director dismissed the idea that the lower league would benefit from City’s arrival. "There is absolutely no benefit for the Championship," he said.
"City’s financial muscle would dwarf every other club, likely leading them to dominate the division and bounce straight back up, which would rob other clubs of a promotion spot and destabilise the competitive balance." Another Championship official stressed the need to protect the integrity of the entire English football pyramid. "Any sanction must consider the whole structure, not just the Premier League," he warned.
"If City is expelled, they should not be allowed to simply drop into the Championship without earning promotion. The process must be fair to all clubs." A third source from the EFL expressed uncertainty, noting that the situation is still fluid and that clubs hope their interests will be taken into account when decisions are made.
"We are watching the developments closely," he said. "We want a transparent process that treats all clubs fairly, regardless of the league they belong to." In summary, while the independent commission’s findings present a serious challenge for Manchester City, the broader football community is wrestling with the potential ripple effects of any severe punishment. The commercial stakes are high, the legal questions complex, and the opinions among clubs deeply divided.
The ultimate outcome will shape not only City’s future but also the financial and reputational landscape of English football for years to come.