Manchester City could lift the title in May without knowing their punishment

The saga surrounding Manchester City's potential sanctions continues to dominate headlines across English football. Following reports of an unprecedented points deduction that could not only relegate the champions but keep them in the Championship for at least two years, an extensive analysis by The i Paper has outlined a nightmare scenario for the Premier League. According to the report, City could lift the Premier League title this May with no final verdict or punishments yet determined.

Potential appeal procedures and sanction hearings are currently underway, technically leaving a commission around six months to resolve the situation. However, that timeline could prove unrealistic. The report suggests the final outcome might not even be resolved by the end of the 2027/28 or 2028/29 seasons. That is the assessment of football finance expert Kieran Maguire and James Severn, a London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA) committee member and partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper.

Maguire explained: "I think the uncertainty will continue for a very long time. Not just months, but years."

Severn added: "I suspect the process will probably take longer given the sheer complexity of the case. Looking at the initial decision, there are references to a 150-page index and thousands of documents, so I wouldn't expect a rapid turnaround from any appellate body. All parties will want this resolved as quickly as possible, but above all, they will insist on it being thorough. Frankly, it could take a very long time. Tribunals do not like having their decisions appealed, let alone overturned, so they will approach this with extreme caution—especially given the high-profile nature of the case. They will scrutinise every fine detail rather than rush anything through."

Manchester City are reportedly exploring several legal avenues to challenge any adverse initial findings and extend the legal proceedings.

Depending on the outcome of the internal appeal process, City could look to take legal action beyond the Premier League's standard dispute mechanism. One possible option would be challenging the decision in the High Court. While this would not constitute a full retrial of the facts, it would focus on legal and procedural grounds—such as whether the process was fair or if errors of law were made. The club's legal team appears prepared for an exhaustive and costly battle.

According to experts cited by the publication, the Premier League could ultimately propose a settlement to member clubs rather than spending an estimated £25 million a year to sustain protracted legal action.