Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Man City could face “relegation” even if they reach a settlement in their 115 charges case.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed any punishment must be seen as “workable” by the other Premier League clubs.
The Lawyer magazine reported (4 December) images of barristers from the Premier League and City heading into the secret hearing in central London to deliver closing statements in the 115 charges case.
An independent commission hearing started on 16 September and was originally expected to last 10 weeks.
Financial penalties, points deduction and relegations have been widely reported as potential sanctions for City should they be found guilty of significant rule breaches.
Wyness insisted a final decision may not be reached for a further two years if the case is not settled outside the disciplinary process.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on this lasting until 2025 or 2026.
“That is unless there’s an out-of-court settlement between the parties.
“That would have to be seen to be workable for the other teams in the league – of course, if City are found guilty.
“If they are, and the evidence is rock-solid, there has to be a sanction.
“It could well be one relegation to the Championship.
“I’m hoping this can be put to bed and we can move forward as a unified Premier League.”
