Man City and Chelsea could face ‘nuclear’ punishment as Aston Villa and Wolves watch on
The latest Aston Villa news as both clubs are under investigation for possible breaches of the Premier League's financial rules following Everton's 10-point deduction.
by Amie Wilson, https://www.facebook.com/amiewilsonjournalist/ · Birmingham LiveIt is possible that Manchester City and Chelsea could be expelled from the Premier League, should they be found guilty of breaking Financial Fair Play rules.
That’s according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, who described the possible punishment as the ‘nuclear option’. Man City face 115 charges of financial breaches, while Chelsea and currently under investigation for payments made under former owner Roman Abramovic.
Scrutiny has been placed on possible punishments for the two club if found guilty, following Everton’s 10-point deduction handed to them by the Premier League commission after they were found guilty of breaking the rules, although the club are appealing the decision.
READ MORE: Aston Villa and Wolves handed sin bin trial alert in major rule change 'trial'
READ MORE: Aston Villa transfer notebook: Celtic clause revealed as winger finds new club
Maguire has outlined the possible punishments that could be given to Man City and Chelsea should the Premier League deem them appropriate. With one more likely than the other.
“Relegation is a possible punishment,” he told Football Insider. “If you take a look at the Premier League handbook, there are unlimited punishments that they can hand out, including expulsion from the Premier League.
“So that is very much the nuclear option. Is it possible? Yes, but not probable – that is my reaction to it.
“But we could be looking at a very significant points reduction. We could easily end up with a 30-point deduction, which for Man City could still mean European qualification.“
Aston Villa will be watching on with interest, with any punishment to Man City likely to have an impact on the race for Champions League football this season. Pep Guardiola’s men are currently in second place in the league, just one point ahead of Villa in fourth.