Man City's rivals do not expect them to be in Premier League next season

Man City have lodged their appeal against an independent commission finding them guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules; if it fails, Citys rivals believe that a points deduction is not sufficient if they return to the top-flight after one year

Sympathy is in short supply at other clubs after an independent commission laid bare the scale of Manchester City's rule breaking across nine seasons in a devastating decision published last week.

As City's legal team prepare for their appeal and sanctions hearing after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of the Premier League's rules, their rivals in England and across Europe believe "the punishment should fit the crime".

With the looming prospect of City taking their bid to clear their name all the way to the High Court, rival clubs are becomingly increasingly concerned about the damage that is being done to the image and integrity of the Premier League, the cost of the dispute and what they see as City's failure to take any responsibility or accountability for their actions.

Source: Sky Sports