Manchester City would not be guaranteed a place in the English Football League (EFL) if they are expelled from the Premier League.

It was revealed on Monday that City have been charged with more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules following a four-year investigation.

The club have been referred to an independent commission over alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018.

Man City, who say they are “surprised” by the charges, have also been accused of not co-operating since the investigation began in December 2018.

"Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with," the club said in a statement.

"The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

"As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."

Read more: Manchester City charged by Premier League for financial breaches

If found guilty, City will be at risk of receiving a severe punishment from the commission.

A fine, a points deduction and even expulsion from the Premier League are all possibilities at this stage.

Manchester City's home stadium

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: General view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Could the EFL reject Manchester City?

If Man City are kicked out of English football’s top division, they are not guaranteed to go to the Championship, League One or even League Two.

Per The Telegraph, the EFL would have no obligation to accept City in the extraordinary event the club are expelled from the Premier League.

The EFL cannot have more than 72 clubs, so it’s also unclear how Man City would be accommodated in such a scenario without a change in regulations, the report adds.

Manchester City's Etihad Stadium

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: General view outside the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Could Man City end up in non-league football?

While the Premier League’s independent disciplinary commission have the power to expel a club, there is no provision in the rules for them to relegate one.

There’s subsequently a possibility that Man City would find themselves in non-league football, outside of the top four tiers of English football.

Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Erling Haaland of Manchester City interacts with Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Such a scenario would surely result in City losing all of their star players, as well as their world-class manager, Pep Guardiola.

However, the reigning Premier League champions appear to believe that they will be able to clear their name.

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'Man City charged' (Football Terrace)

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