The Athletic revealed a few days ago that ManCity had been found guilty on 114 of 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations and Financial Fair Play guidelines. As well as a points deduction and a heavy fine, several enforced relegations are also said not to be out of the question. The draconian punishments are said to be hard to avoid.
Stripping titles already won is also allegedly within the realms of possibility. There are said to be compelling arguments for all ManCity results between 2009 and 2018, the period covered by the investigation, to be declared null and void.
On the talkSPORT Breakfast programme, Mills, who wore the Skyblues shirt himself for five years, has now had his say on the allegations. If it were up to him, City would face a draconian punishment.
"For every season in which they cheated, they should be given a massive points deduction for every coming season. So if they cheated for nine years, they should be docked 20 points for each of the next nine years. Let's see what they can still do then," said Mills.
He has little time, though, for a simple enforced relegation to the second division. The club have the financial muscle to win promotion again after just one year in the lower league and go straight back to competing at the top.
"I just heard from one fan: 'That would be great for the second division'. No, it wouldn't. City would go straight back up, which would mean that instead of two places for (automatic) promotion (from the Championship), only one would still be available." Nor would it make much financial sense for the second-tier clubs. "You only play Manchester City twice that season, so you won't generate huge revenue."
Getty ImagesHow will the Premier League decide on Manchester City?
What the league will ultimately decide remains to be seen. "There is no fair and just system because it goes so far back, and it is going to be very, very difficult because other clubs will then complain that they were disadvantaged and relegated - how are you supposed to sort that out?" believes Mills
Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that several Premier League clubs brought in leading lawyers some time ago to examine possible claims as part of the proceedings against the Skyblues. Put simply, if disadvantages were established, those clubs would be entitled to compensation payments amounting to millions. According to the Sun, the figure could come to a hefty €616 million.
Even so, the clubs would only be able to initiate legal action after the appeal process has been completed. ManCity are expected to lodge an appeal. According to the Guardian, the process could drag on for months or even years.