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Man City could now land sensational '70-point deduction' after new twist - pundit
Paul Robinson has claimed Man City could land a “70-point deduction” if found guilty for their 115 outstanding Premier League charges.
The former Tottenham and England goalkeeper, speaking on Football Insider‘s Inside Track Podcast, insisted the Premier League must use Everton’s 10-point penalty as a “precedent” and follow through with other clubs if they are found guilty.
Man City were charged with 115 breaches of top-flight financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons in February, but no new information has been released since the case was referred to an independent commission.
Everton have since been deducted 10 points after being found guilty of their own breaches by an independent panel.
That punishment is the biggest in Premier League history, leading to fears that City could be handed a sensational, record-smashing penalty.
A potential 70-point deduction would mean almost certain relegation to the Championship for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Football Insider has been told by well-placed sources that the treble-winners are “very confident” of being found not guilty.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, he said: “I think this is important now. There’s got to be continuity.
“If only Everton are punished, then they’ve been hard done by. They’ve been kicked with a 10-point penalty.
“This should be the start of a precedent, which decides the procedure going forward. These punishments have got to be carried forward, regardless of the size of the club or the financial power you have.
“They’ve been hauled up in front of the jury, a lot quicker than those who are already ‘on trial’ – if you like.
“All of a sudden, the Premier League might look at Everton’s punishment and decide that if they’ve been given ten – we could be looking at 50, 60 or 70 points for Man City on that basis.
“Everton’s punishment might have to be adjusted, on that basis.
“The Premier League have set a precedent now, so if that deduction stands, they’ve got to follow through with other clubs.”
City are not the only club facing potential punishment, with Chelsea also reportedly facing an investigation about their dealings during the Roman Abramovich era.
Both sides have had historic success since the arrival of their respective mega-money ownerships, winning a combined three Champions Leagues, 13 Premier League titles and eight FA Cups.
In other news, Man City on track to earn stunning £180million+ payout.