BREAKING: Manchester City’s three punishments as Liverpool is about to receive the decision regarding 115 charges…

Manchester City’s 3 Possible Consequences as Liverpool Awaits Decision on 115 Charges

Manchester City faces three potential repercussions as Liverpool is expected to learn the verdict concerning 115 charges.

Three possible sanctions for Manchester City as Liverpool prepares to find out the ruling on 115 charges.

The investigation into Manchester City’s 115 allegations of potential violations of Premier League regulations has concluded, and Liverpool, along with the rest of the league, is poised to receive the verdict.

After an extensive wait, Liverpool and the Premier League are on the brink of discovering the outcome of the inquiry into Manchester City’s alleged financial misconduct.

The final arguments were delivered at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London on Friday, bringing to a close the hearings that commenced on September 16.

The ramifications of the decision are expected to be significant for the Premier League, regardless of whether the verdict is one of innocence or guilt.

City has claimed six of the last seven league titles and made history by winning the English top flight for four consecutive seasons in 2023/24.

However, this remarkable achievement could be called into question if the club is found guilty of violating Premier League financial regulations over a nine-year span starting in 2009.

While the case has reached its conclusion, it may still take considerable time before any verdict or sanctions are announced.

Initial decisions could take months, with deliberations likely to be extensive, and any appeals could further delay the process.

From Liverpool’s standpoint, what are the potential implications of the possible punishments? If City is found to have engaged in dishonest practices, the Reds would have more grounds than any other club to feel wronged.

Liverpool finished just one point behind Pep Guardiola’s team in both the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons. Other clubs have also been runners-up in recent years, but none have done so by such a slim margin.

Here’s an overview of the three most probable penalties should a guilty verdict be reached and their potential impact on Liverpool.

A financial penalty

This scenario appears to be the most likely route to swiftly conclude the entire unfortunate situation.

Considering the financial resources available to City, it is reasonable to expect that they would simply settle the fine and move forward.

If this does not affect the club’s financial management or operations, it would not alter the circumstances for the Reds.

Points deduction

For many, this seems to be the most apparent form of punishment.

Last season, Everton and Nottingham Forest faced deductions of eight and four points, respectively, for violating profit and sustainability regulations.

With City already trailing in the title race, any points deduction would effectively eliminate them from contention this season, thereby bolstering Liverpool’s chances for trophies.

Currently, Liverpool holds an eight-point advantage over City with a game in hand, while Pep Guardiola’s team has managed only four points from their last six matches.

A gap exceeding 11 points would likely be insurmountable for City.

The pressing question, particularly for teams lower in the standings, is whether the deduction would be substantial enough to jeopardize their status in the league. This brings us to the topic of…

Relegation

This represents the most drastic form of punishment.

Such a consequence would significantly enhance Liverpool’s prospects of clinching the title this season and the next.

However, the ramifications would extend beyond that. City’s top players may be reluctant to endure a season outside the Champions League, let alone compete in the Championship for 46 matches.

While a complete squad overhaul may seem improbable, their roster would likely face significant reductions, despite Guardiola having recently signed a new two-year contract.

All parties associated with Liverpool will be closely monitoring the developments. The final decision could potentially reshape the entire landscape of football.

An original version of this article was first published on September 12. It has been updated following the conclusion of the case against Manchester City.