The independent commission that found Manchester City guilty of breaching Premier League rules could force the club’s current owners to relinquish control of the English football giant.
The Citizens were found guilty of most of the alleged breaches under investigation, involving the inflation of revenues by £900 million over nearly a decade, which helped the club spend beyond its means.
David Kogan, chairman of the independent commission, told The Rest Is Football podcast that it was too early to discuss any potential action by the body he leads while the appeals process remains ongoing.
However, he confirmed that the commission has full powers to force Manchester City’s current owners to sell the club.
“We have the power to ask an owner to step away from a club if we believe they are running it in an improper or incorrect way,” Kogan said. “Can they refuse? No, no, no. We have absolute power to do that.”
Manchester City is currently controlled by Abu Dhabi United Group, an investment vehicle owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family.
Earlier this week, the Daily Mail reported that Manchester City could face a severe points deduction that would send the club down to the Championship, as well as a substantial financial fine.