Man City saga could take extraordinary new turn and drag on for years

It's far from over

As per reports last week, an independent tribunal has reached decisions in the case and the process is moving to the appeal stage.

Back in 2014, City paid a £49million fine for breaking UEFA's financial fair play rules and in 2020 they were given a two-year European competition ban and fined €30million for breaking rules again. However, the ban was then overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Premier League appeal, on the other hand, will be heard by a new three-person panel. If the appeals goes against their favour, there is a strong possibility that City will resort to the High Court to clear their name.

In 2014, City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak stated he would spend £30 million on the greatest 50 lawyers in the world and sue UEFA for the next 10 years instead of lose the FFP case. In his open letter to City fans, he remained just as determined: "The Premier League process still has a long way to run and our confidence and intent in proving the club's innocence is just as strong as when this began".

City will face serious sanctions should they fail to clear their name, with the case likely affecting the players and Enzo Maresca until it is resolved.