Man City 115 charges relegation 'precedent' set ahead of Premier League hearing as Liverpool wait

The Premier League may use Swindon Town's enforced relegation in 1990 as a legal precedent if Manchester City is found guilty of financial misconduct, it has been suggested.

Swindon, who had just secured promotion from the second tier, were demoted two divisions after being found guilty of improperly directing revenue towards player wages. However, upon appeal, their penalty was reduced to a one-division relegation.

Given the unprecedented nature of the case involving the Premier League's 115 charges against Man City, there are suggestions that relegation could be on the cards if the club is found guilty. The Blues stand accused of illicit finance sourcing and non-cooperation for matters spanning from 2009 to 2018 – allegations which they vehemently deny and have pledged to clear their name of.

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The hearing before an independent panel is set to commence in November and is anticipated to last approximately six weeks, not including any potential appeals. The Times suggests that the Premier League might use Swindon's case from over two decades ago as a benchmark for what punishment City could face if they are ultimately found guilty of breaching financial regulations.

The independent panel that reviewed Everton's appeal over their 10-point deduction used previous EFL penalty guidelines as a reference point when they reduced the sanction to six points. In a separate case, Man City are embroiled in a legal dispute with the Premier League over Associated Party Transaction [APT] rules.

They argue these rules are unlawful and are seeking damages. These APT regulations stipulate that the League has the authority to request information if it suspects sponsorship deals between entities linked with club owners have been artificially inflated, thus providing more leeway within spending limits.

Ahead of the new season, Premier League clubs voted in favour of implementing new financial rules. These rules are non-binding and will initially run alongside the existing set of rules. A proposal has been made for a spending cap based on a multiple of the bottom club's TV revenue.