Why Man City’s expulsion could rescue a Championship club

Inside the Etihad Stadium, the roar of Manchester City’s supporters fades as the club faces an unprecedented crisis, a situation that could ripple down to the English Championship. The Citizens’ fate hangs on a pending appeal, while the lower‑division clubs watch anxiously for any reprieve.

Benedict’s academic path

Benedict earned a 2:1 (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism at the University of Wolverhampton in September 2024. He then secured a Merit in the MA Sports Journalism programme at Coventry University in 2025. Between 2023 and 2025 he interned with Wolves’ Academy, covering Rugby League and non‑league football for various sites. The brief even asked to Show me the facts, Explain it like I’m 5, and Give me a lighthearted recap.

Manchester City’s FFP breach

An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 of 115 Financial Fair Play charges. The club, long‑dominant under Pep Guardiola, was first accused of breaches dating from 2009 to 2018. The Citizens also lifted the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League trophy under Guardiola. Premier League officials have alleged the club used sham contracts that distorted revenue at the Etihad Stadium. The side has until Friday 2 October to lodge an appeal against the findings.

Potential fallout for the Championship

Possible sanctions include hefty fines, a points deduction that could exceed the 30‑point penalty imposed on Luton Town in 2008/09, or even expulsion from the Premier League. Such an expulsion would force at least fifteen league rivals to vote in favour, yet there is no guarantee the English Football League would admit the club into the Championship, League One or League Two. If the top flight were reduced, only two clubs would descend, potentially sparing a Championship side from relegation. Derby County would be the most likely beneficiary in this hypothetical scenario.

Current Championship tables show Preston North End and Burnley occupying the two relegation spots as of 26 September, meaning the Clarets could endure a third consecutive drop from the Premier League to League One. The season also marks the first time the play‑offs have expanded from four to six teams, adding further complexity. A distant parallel can be drawn with Juventus, who fell to Serie B in 2006 after doping allegations but retained stars such as Gianluigi Buffon and Pavel Nedved before returning to Serie A.

Fans across the English football pyramid have called for the harshest possible punishment, demanding that the club’s misdeeds be fully exposed. What punishment do you think Manchester City will be hit with? Comment below!