Several Premier League clubs believe Manchester City should face a punishment that keeps them out of the top flight for longer than one season, if sanctions follow findings that the club breached more than 100 financial rules. The dispute matters because the Premier League must decide how to punish conduct the independent commission said involved concealed funding and sham commercial deals, while City continue to deny the accusations.

The commission found that City’s income was artificially inflated by £900m between 2009 and 2018, and said that without it the club would have breached league and UEFA spending limits in multiple seasons. The commission will determine sanctions after City’s appeal, which is due to be heard under new rules by the end of January; sanctions could include points deductions, a transfer embargo or expulsion. Rival clubs are also pressing for the case to be concluded before the season ends, while City say they have evidence supporting their position.