Rival Premier League clubs reportedly do not expect Manchester City to be playing in the top flight next season if the club's appeal does not succeed, according to Sky Sports.
The report, published on Monday, 5 October 2026, concerns the charges Manchester City face and the possibility of an appeal. Sky Sports does not state the outcome of any hearing, only the expectation among other clubs about City's top-flight status should an appeal fail.
The story sits alongside wider coverage of the case. The BBC has examined which clubs received money through the transfer market from what it describes as Manchester City's "inflated" spending. The Telegraph reported that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham faces questions about Manchester City, while The Guardian published a Barney Ronay column arguing that the political ground Burnham occupied in relation to the club has shifted.
None of that coverage, as summarised, sets out a verdict, a sanction or a timetable. The only claim attributed here is the expectation among Premier League clubs reported by Sky Sports.
Separately, on the pitch, the BBC reported that Manchester City's women's team beat Arsenal 4-2, with Lauren Hemp scoring twice as the champions came from behind to win.
What to watch next: whether Manchester City's appeal proceeds and whether the club's top-flight status for next season is formally confirmed.
