Man City told relegation 'has to be a possibility' as Premier League have 'set a precedent' by handing Everton 10-point deduction

The reigning European and English champions have been charged with 115 breaches of financial regulations by the Premier League and the case is expected to go ahead later this year. Many are calling for City to be kicked out of the top-flight if they are found guilty, and ex-Sky Sports figure Shreeves feels such a drastic punishment must be on the cards.

"The Everton and Manchester City charges are very different," he told Lucky Block. "You can't compare the two directly and Everton were in dialogue with the Premier League all the way through their process. I think with Manchester City, it will come to court but not for two years at least. It's a long, a long, long way down the road. I don't see that the Premier League would have any other option [than to relegate City if they are found guilty]. They've set a precedent with Everton with those points deductions. They primarily pushed for a 12-point deduction. So it has to be a possibility, it has to be."

Many pundits have argued that the Premier League set a precedent by docking Everton 10 points this season for breaking financial rules. Given City are said to have committed so many offences between 2009 and 2018, they may face a much more extreme sanction if found guilty. Everton have appealed against their punishment, but they are in danger of further sanctions as they and Nottingham Forest have been hit with more recent charges.

City's case will be heard later this year but last season's Premier League and Champions League winners are not expected to receive a verdict until next year. In the meantime, they will continue their bid to retain the treble of trophies they won last season, with a league game against Chelsea on Saturday.