EFL may back Premier League as Manchester City face fifth‑tier ban

In a stark scene at the Etihad, manager Enzo Maresca stood beside a cracked badge as a top source warned that Manchester City could be expelled to the fifth tier of English football, with the EFL poised to support the Premier League’s stance.

FFP verdict fuels worst‑case scenario

Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching financial fair play in 114 of 115 charges. The club maintains its innocence and intends to appeal once any sanctions are announced. Possible punishments range from a hefty fine to expulsion from the Premier League, though reports suggest that stripping past titles is unlikely. Dan Roan said there is little appetite within the Premier League to strip titles, but an independent panel will still decide at a future sanction hearing. Journalist Ben Jacobs noted the Premier League is pushing for a record points deduction or outright removal from the top flight, a penalty that would effectively relegate the club. Jacobs revealed that the EFL is expected to back the Premier League’s position and may even block Manchester City from entering the lower divisions, creating a “doomsday” scenario where the club could be expelled from football entirely. If the Premier League’s push succeeds, the EFL would read the verdict and, in solidarity, aim to keep Manchester City out of its own leagues, potentially consigning the club to the National League.