Punish Man City this season, say other club chiefs

Senior football figures believe Manchester City's punishment for breaching Premier League financial regulations should be handed down before the end of this season. The investigation, which began in 2009 and concluded this year, found City guilty of inflating revenue by over £900 million through deceptive sponsorship deals. Despite repeated denials, City has signaled an intent to appeal.

Club officials and sources within the football community believe resolving the case swiftly is in everyone's best interest, though they acknowledge the importance of rigor and fairness. The Premier League's statement aims for a quick conclusion, with the final decision resting on the independent commission. Meanwhile, City's main sponsor, Etihad Airways, is considering legal action over the public communication of the findings, which adversely impacts the airline despite not being named directly in the decision.