Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes a potential punishment for Manchester City could completely shake up the relegation battle — and possibly spare West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur or Nottingham Forest from going down.
City are awaiting the outcome of an independent commission over their 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. If found guilty, Maguire suggests they could face a huge points deduction — potentially between 40 and 60 points — which would likely drop them into the relegation zone.
He noted that recent sanctions against Everton and Forest set a precedent, and given the scale of the charges, City could receive a far tougher punishment. Depending on when the verdict arrives, any deduction might even be applied this season.
Such a move would dramatically alter the survival race. With several clubs battling to avoid the bottom three, a major penalty for Pep Guardiola’s side could hand a crucial lifeline to those currently at risk.
Although City would be expected to appeal, Maguire warned that uncertainty over timing and enforcement could cause major disruption at the foot of the table. With Premier League status and significant revenue at stake, the impending decision could become one of the most explosive moments in the competition’s history. ⚽
