Betting Suspended on Manchester City Being Relegated

· GiveMeSport

Man City are guilty of all but one of the 115 charges, and the most likely sanction has emerged

Amid the quiet of the international break, an explosive piece of news has stunned the Premier League: Manchester City have been found guilty of breaking the rules .

The Etihad side have long been facing 115 charges relating to the Premier League's financial regulations, which were allegedly breached between 2009 and 2018. It's now been reported that Man City are guilty of all but one of the charges.

The club are expected to appeal, but if that does not work, there is already much talk about the potential punishments they will face. From point deductions to huge fines, unprecedented sanctions will be expected.

Amid it all, betting has already been suspended on one potential punishment.

The people at William Hill have now suspended betting on Manchester City being relegated this season . This comes after the club were found guilty on 114 of 115 charges relating to financial regulations.

With that in mind, it seems as though the betting market believes relegation will be the most likely punishment for the Cityzens. Even so, it's hard to imagine the likes of Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki in the Championship.

The news has also impacted City's title hopes. After the most recent round of domestic fixtures, they were priced at 5/4 to win the Premier League. They now sit at just 7/4, while Arsenal have tightened to 4/6 in the betting.

In a statement for William Hill, Spokesperson Lee Phelps said:

> “Following the breaking news of Manchester City being found guilty on all but one of their 115 charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations, we have suspended betting on them to be relegated this season.

> “The severity of sanctions for the eight-time Premier League champions are currently unclear, but we’ve had to take evasive action on them to drop out of the division this season, while Enzo Maresca’s side have also drifted in the outright title betting, out to 7/4 from 5/4.”

PaddyPower have also suspended betting on Manchester City being relegated.

Ferdinand has quickly reacted to the huge news.

After the news broke, a Man City spokesperson told The Athletic:

> "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.

> “The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has been less measured with his response to the news , claiming: "Another Premier League medal to be added to the cabinet." Pundit Richard Keys responded : "It’s hard to argue differently. They cheated."

The Red Devils could be in line for two belated titles if Man City are stripped of their Premier League wins , while Liverpool would also potentially lift an extra bit of silverware as well.

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