Premier League executives weigh immediate Man City expulsion as financial case turns 'farcical'

Senior Premier League executives have held discussions about expelling Manchester City with immediate effect, with one top-flight club figure describing the ongoing financial regulations case as ‘farcical’ and warning it risks turning ‘violent’, The Independent has reported.

Under Rule 6B of the Premier League rulebook, 15 member clubs hold the power to call a vote on expulsion. However, sources suggest such an outcome remains highly unlikely given sharply conflicting opinions among clubs — including existing business ties between some owners and Abu Dhabi interests connected to City.

The talks emerged in the days surrounding City’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, a match played in a charged atmosphere in which home supporters directed fierce criticism at their opponents, branding them ‘cheats’. Goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki secured the win for Enzo Maresca’s side, who were facing a 10-man Liverpool.

Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of the environment but framed the result as a moment of collective resolve. “It was not easy for the players after the past two or three weeks, but I think they handled the situation very well,” he said. “We need to learn how to deal with the outside noise. Because of the situation, the noise will always be there — so we need to learn how to deal with it. At the same time, we need to try to make our noise by winning games like we did today.”

The City manager also highlighted the presence of sporting director Hugo Viana and chief executive Ferran Soriano at Anfield as a sign of institutional unity. “For the importance of the game, Liverpool away, I think it’s a good idea for the club to be all together. It’s togetherness that in this moment we need.”

Should the Premier League attempt to pursue expulsion, City would likely seek High Court intervention, with legal experts suggesting reinstatement could be secured through that route — a further complication that makes any immediate action politically and legally fraught for the league’s governing body.