Man City handed Premier League relegation verdict by lawyer as Newcastle United watch on

Nick De Marco
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Nick De Marco KC, the high-profile sports lawyer who previously assisted Leicester City in their recent dispute with the Premier League, is of the opinion that Manchester City should not face relegation due to off-field decisions. De Marco, who also aided Newcastle United during their 2021 takeover, successfully helped the Foxes evade Premier League sanctions earlier this season, arguing that point deductions should only be used as a last resort.

An independent panel sided with De Marco's argument, stating that the Premier League had no grounds to charge Leicester City with financial breaches as the club was not a member at the time, having been relegated to the Championship. However, Manchester City now faces a staggering 130 allegations, and the potential for punishment is considered limitless, with Premier League rivals such as Arsenal closely observing the situation.

The proceedings for City's hearing against the Premier League, which commenced on Monday, have the authority to directly impose fines and point deductions, and can even recommend relegation based on a members vote. Manchester City, whose legal team is headed by Lord Pannick KC, are confident that the proceedings will not reach this stage.

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They have denied all charges in full and pledged to clear their name "once and for all". Despite being a beneficiary of the current legislation, De Marco does not believe it is "right" for a club to be expelled from a league for reasons other than sporting merit.

"In my view things as important as promotion and relegation should be determined on the pitch," the 57 year old told The Times, reports Football London.

"It spoils the game for it to be determined by people like me; lawyers and accountants and ex-lawyers who are arbitrators, hearing legal arguments behind closed doors. I'm going to make my money out of it because that's my business but I don't necessarily think it's right."

The Premier League has issued points deductions to Everton (on two separate occasions) and Nottingham Forest in the 2023/24 season, with Everton successfully reducing an initial 10-point deduction to six points following an appeal. Newcastle, meanwhile, has to sell this summer because of the threat of breaching PSR.

Despite having dismissed any risk of relegation, De Marco expresses concern that points deductions are often seen as a go-to punishment.

He added: "As a football fan I really do think points deductions should be the very last thing people look at for breaches. Yet it's becoming a routine starting point, and I do think that spoils a lot of the fun and entertainment of the game."

"I can still see the argument for points deductions, because they can be the best way to redress a sporting advantage given the obvious flaws with financial penalties."

"If you are a very wealthy owner, intent on just spending anything in breach of the rules, you're not going to worry too much about a financial penalty. But I still think point deductions should be a last resort."