For champions Manchester City, however, the uncertainty as they begin their push for an unprecedented fifth straight league title at Chelsea on Sunday is altogether more existential.
City’s hearing into their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules is, according to reports, finally expected to be heard by an independent commission in September, with an outcome likely at the start of next year.
The result is all but guaranteed to send shockwaves through the topflight, which are likely to be felt throughout the wider game at home and abroad.
If City are found guilty, relegation is among the possible punishments (they begin the season favorites for a seventh title in eight seasons with the bookies but as low as 8-1 to go down), which would have an enormous impact on the English pyramid.
Denne historien er fra August 14, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra August 14, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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