Manchester City Relegation: A Shocking 65% of Bets Placed
In a shocking turn of events, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are facing relegation from the league due to alleged financial fair play violations. A whopping 65% of bets placed with Sky Bet have been placed on City’s relegation, with the odds currently standing at 10/1.
The allegations against City span the period from 2009 to 2018 and include 115 breaches of the league’s financial rules. The club could face severe punishments, including relegation and points deductions.
Potential Punishments
According to The Athletic, the Premier League may impose a points deduction so large that it would effectively relegate City. One anonymous league executive stated, “The collective view I’ve heard is that an appropriate sanction would have to be a points deduction so substantial — we are talking here between 70 and 80 points — that it guarantees City a season in the Championship.”
If City were to be relegated, it would be the most significant punishment ever handed out in English football history. The largest points deduction to date is the 30-point penalty levied against Luton Town in 2008/09.
Market Reaction
The market for City’s relegation has reacted strongly to the news, with odds plummeting from 25/1 in May to 10/1 now. Sky Bet has revealed that nearly two-thirds of the bets in their relegation market have been placed on City.
Other clubs that are considered at risk of relegation include Brighton and Hove Albion, Ipswich Town, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Brentford.
Timeline and Next Steps
The hearing for City’s financial fair play charges is expected to commence on September 16 and last approximately two months. A decision is unlikely to be made public before spring next year.
The outcome of the hearing will have a significant impact on the Premier League and English football as a whole. If City are found guilty and relegated, it will be a major blow to the club and its fans.