ManCity's 114 Breaches: How it could proceed

It is the headline of this season in English football.

Manchester City was found guilty in 114 out of 115 cases regarding breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

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As the "BBC" writes in a report, there are now four possible scenarios for how it could proceed.

First Scenario: No immediate penalty

Since Manchester City denied the allegations, a disciplinary hearing in the case would have to take place before an independent commission. According to BBC information, it could still take months for this to happen.

In any potential hearing, all kinds of penalties would be on the table: fines, point deductions, and even forced relegation.

If the "Skyblues" were to admit their guilt, as Chelsea did earlier this year, they could negotiate the sanctions directly with the Premier League. However, in recent years, City has consistently denied the allegations.

Second Scenario: Penalty this season, but with appeal

If a point deduction occurs, it would normally take effect immediately - subject to an appeal by Manchester City.

If the Premier League sticks to its tough stance of recent years, the deduction could even be so severe that it effectively means forced relegation. Everton were deducted six points, Nottingham four. However, ManCity's breaches significantly exceed those of Everton and Forest. In the league alone, the "Citizens" are confronted with seven PSR breaches. In addition, there are five related to UEFA competitions.

As an alternative to a point deduction, exclusion from PL membership as well as a large fine would also be possible. Manchester City would in any case have 14 days to appeal. However, it is currently unclear whether this deadline has already begun.

Even with an appeal, a point deduction would take effect immediately. However, the possibility - albeit small - exists that it could be delayed until after the appeal process is concluded.

Third Scenario: A swift process

If it were up to the league and the other PL clubs, this would certainly be the favoured scenario. It would likely be in the interest of the Premier League's integrity for the appeal to be heard quickly and the full decision announced without delay.

The Premier League generally does not want the case to drag on into the final months of the season. Manchester City could, of course, also be successful with their appeal - as they were in 2020, when they circumvented a two-year Champions League ban.

However, unlike then, the case cannot be brought before the CAS.

Fourth Scenario: Despite the outcome, the case continues

Even if there is a swift conclusion to the proceedings, the matter could continue afterwards. PL clubs are already seeking advice on claiming possible compensation from ManCity in connection with the proceedings.

According to the BBC, this could even be centrally organised by the league. Premier League rules allow clubs to make legal claims for damages against each other. For example, Everton was ordered to pay Burnley £35 million after PSR breaches. Burnley argued that the breaches reduced their own chances of avoiding relegation.

It is currently unclear whether the claims can expire. In the league's traditional rulebook, it is "not mentioned" anyway, explains Kieran Maguire, Professor of Football Finance at the University of Liverpool, to the BBC.

Compensation could likely be demanded by almost any PL club that finished behind ManCity in the respective seasons. This concerns prize money for the respective league position, Champions League premiums, and lost ticket and sponsorship revenues.