'We all know how this ends' - Surprise Man City hearing news leaves rival fans fearing 'slap on the wrist' over 115 FFP charges with 'plenty of time to take judge on a nice holiday'

The reigning Premier League champions have known since February 2023 that supposed financial mismanagement, dating back to 2009, was going to fall under the microscope at some stage. A protracted saga could finally be brought to a close before the end of the calendar year.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding potential punishments for City, as Everton and Nottingham Forest have already been stung with points deductions after breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). City maintain their innocence in a long-running Financial Fair Play episode.

Supporters have been reacting to the news that City are set to face their date with destiny, with many expecting the issue to be brushed under the carpet. @DBW77 has said: “We all know how this ends. Slap on the wrist via an 'unprecedented fine' which will be chicken feed for them. In some ways for City it'd be better to be found guilty and get a massive sanction. Otherwise there will always be a cloud over them.” @Ma6eS_9 added: “Plenty of time for them to take the judge on a nice holidays.” @GeorgeGolazo went on to say: “They're obviously not going to relegate them as the leagues below have started and because the FA are all about money they won't leave the league to be 19 teams. The most they will do is a points deduction but I have zero faith in the FA to act as they should.” @DGFTBL claims that “Everton would have been deducted another 30 odd points by the time these lot get a not guilty verdict.”

Others continue to speculate on City being demoted from the Premier League, or being hit with a big points penalty, but the general consensus appears to be that a dominant force in the English top-flight – who are preparing to open the defence of their crown in 2024-25 – will be hit with a fine that billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour can comfortably contend with.