Unfortunately, cheating clubs have long taken the position of “too big to fail” and everyone understands this. In a war with a potential Super League and the Saudis, even if tomorrow City is caught bribing referees/fixing games/collusion with bookmakers, they will get away with it.
The spot light on the case may be too much to wish it away and the verdict Everton and Forest have received will only fuel it for when the hearing starts. If City get away then it will be cause the lawyers did a damn good job and they really did not do anything, otherwise I foresee a huge sanction.
Chelsea I think will also wiggle away.
- Jay -
My prediction is this: all these proceedings will last for years (more precisely, they will continue to last for years) and will end either in nothing (due to the expiration of the statute of limitations haha) or in a small meaningless fine. The UEFA vs City scenario will just repeat itself - the crimes were proven, but City escaped punishment for procedural reasons.