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City are three points clear of Arsenal at the Premier League summit after six games, and look strong enough to dethrone the champions after a \u00a3450 million ($596m) summer transfer splurge, with the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Illiman Ndiaye adding even greater depth to what was already a top-quality squad. The trophy presentation in May would be beyond awkward if they pull it off.<\/span><\/p>\n It <\/span>surely <\/em><\/i>cannot be allowed to happen, can it? City’s first four title successes are already being viewed as unlawful, and it’s unthinkable that another could be added to the mix. <\/span>Three<\/em><\/i> years went by before a judgement was made on City’s financial charges; that should have been plenty enough time for a punishment decision to be made too.<\/span><\/p>\n Now fans of the Premier League are stuck in a kind of purgatory, and there’s a serious risk that this season turns out to be a complete waste of time. Arsenal will probably be most frustrated with the current state of play; they’d likely run away with the league if City were out of the picture, and have more in the tank for their latest Champions League bid. It’s difficult to imagine Mikel Arteta staying quiet if they fall short on both fronts.<\/span><\/p>\n At the other end of the table, more than a few of the clubs fighting relegation may end up writing off six invaluable points to City that could have made a world of difference. Those in contention for European qualification would have grounds to complain, too. Many more ‘moments’ swiped away.<\/span><\/p>\n It has been reported that City’s appeal could be heard from December 14, and the three-member independent board will then have a maximum of 30 days to deliver its final verdict. However, City deployed numerous delaying tactics throughout the investigation into their financial breaches, and legal experts are predicting they will take a similar approach with the appeal.<\/span><\/p>\n