According to The i Paper, several EFL executives are divided on whether Manchester City should be allowed into the lower leagues if expelled from the Premier League. Their potential admission and the league level at which they would play would require a vote by EFL clubs and the FA.

Manchester City could face penalties ranging from a warning to expulsion from the Premier League. Legal experts cited in the report believe it is difficult to predict the specific outcome at this stage; significant points deductions, transfer bans, and stripping of titles have also been mentioned. Multiple sources suggest that a decision on the punishment could be made before the end of the current season. An out-of-court settlement between Manchester City and the Premier League is considered the "most likely outcome."

One EFL club executive stated that if Manchester City has indeed committed wrongdoing, the integrity of football would be at stake, and questioned the fairness of having lower-league teams compete against Manchester City. Another EFL executive, however, believes that Manchester City's participation would bring increased attention, investment, and ticket revenue.

The report also noted that if Manchester City significantly downsized, it could lead to job losses, the cancellation of community projects, and impact other clubs' ability to sign players from Manchester City's academy system. Interviewees stated that there is currently insufficient information, and the appeal process has not yet had a hearing.

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