‘Who suffers from that?’
City have lodged a comprehensive appeal against the commission’s findings, arguing that the decision contains “clear material errors” of law, principle and fact. The appeal hearing will be private and confidential.Lineker said he would not be surprised if the eventual punishment included the stripping of Premier League titles won during the period under investigation, although he acknowledged the potential impact on supporters and players.“But it is damaging… and I feel for their fans and I feel for their players,” he said.Asked whether City should be stripped of the three Premier League titles they won during the disputed period, Lineker replied: “I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes down that route. But again, ultimately, who suffers from that? The players and the fans.”The Premier League has yet to impose a punishment. Possible sanctions include a reprimand, fine, points deduction or expulsion from the competition, with no club having previously been expelled from England’s top flight.The appeal process is expected to take place within 12 weeks of City’s appeal being filed and cannot last more than five consecutive days. Any sanctions will be dealt with separately by the investigatory panel.The commission’s findings cover a period in which City enjoyed unprecedented success, winning multiple trophies and establishing themselves as one of the dominant clubs in English football.City have maintained their innocence throughout the case, which dates back to 2018, and say they possess “irrefutable evidence” supporting their position.