Talk of expelling Manchester City from the Premier League is a distant scenario, not a looming punishment. That is the key takeaway from a report suggesting the so-called 'nuclear option' could be considered if City lose their appeal and then refuse to accept the outcome.
Where the expulsion talk comes from
The claim originates from an unnamed former commercial executive at a leading Premier League club, who told The Athletic that a mood exists among enough clubs to push for expulsion if an unsuccessful appeal is followed by further resistance to punishment.
"There's a mood among enough clubs to press that button if it's needed," the executive said, describing it as the "nuclear option" available to the league.
That is a hypothetical, not an immediate threat. No suggestion has been made that clubs are preparing an expulsion vote, and several stages would need to pass before such a possibility could even arise.
City's position remains unchanged
City were found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League and have appealed. The club strongly denies wrongdoing and is challenging both the findings and any sanction imposed.
Since the commission delivered its verdict, City's stance has not shifted. They insist they are innocent and believe the findings contain material errors.
Uncertainty could stretch into next year
The appeal is not expected to conclude until early 2027, and Premier League executives are reportedly growing concerned about how long the dispute could drag on. The uncertainty surrounding City's position could stretch into next year.
Scott Moore of Brand Finance argued that the bigger risk is not losing City but damaging the perception that the competition is fair. The longer the case remains unresolved, the more harmful that uncertainty becomes.
For now, expulsion remains a possible future course raised by figures within the game rather than a punishment currently facing the club. The appeal process must play out first.