The Premier League could cite Swindon Town’s enforced top-flight relegation in 1990 as a legal benchmark for Manchester City’s punishment should they be found guilty of finance breaches, it has been claimed.
Swindon - who had just won promotion from the second tier - were demoted two divisions after being found to have illegitimately funnelled revenue towards player wages.
Upon appeal, the Robins had their penalty reduced to a one-division relegation. Given the unprecedented scale of the case relating to the Premier League’s 115 charges against Man City, it is thought relegation could be a possibility if the club is found guilty.
The Blues are charged with illicit finance sourcing and uncooperation for matters between 2009 and 2018 - allegations City deny in full, and have vowed to clear their name of. ALSO READ: Man City have 50 days to find transfer answers and tackle crucial new issue ALSO READ: Kevin De Bruyne clarity, midfield solution, £100m windfall - City's three biggest transfer jobs The hearing before an independent panel is due to start in November and is expected to last for around six weeks, excluding any appeals.
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