Football finance specialist Kieran Maguire has suggested that any punishment handed to Manchester City could dramatically reshape the relegation fight — and potentially rescue clubs like West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, or Nottingham Forest from the drop.
City are currently waiting for the verdict from an independent commission regarding their 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations. If the club is found guilty, Maguire believes they could face a massive points deduction, possibly ranging from 40 to 60 points, which would almost certainly push them into the relegation zone.
He pointed out that the penalties recently given to Everton and Nottingham Forest have already set a benchmark, and considering the seriousness of the accusations against City, the punishment could be significantly harsher. There is also a possibility that any points deduction could be enforced immediately, depending on when the final decision is announced.
Such a scenario would completely transform the relegation battle. With several teams fighting to stay in the league, a heavy sanction against Pep Guardiola’s side could provide a vital escape route for clubs currently in danger.
While an appeal from City would be expected, Maguire cautioned that delays or uncertainty around the timing of any punishment could create chaos near the bottom of the table. With Premier League survival — and the huge financial rewards that come with it — on the line, the ruling could become one of the most dramatic and controversial moments in football history
