Chelsea and Manchester City are in danger of being relegated from the Premier League if they are found guilty of breaking financial fair play (FFP) rules.

The shocking possibility was raised by a former financial advisor to the Premier League, who claimed that the league would have to impose the maximum penalty of a 20-point deduction on the clubs if they are proven to have breached the rules over a long period.

FFP rules are designed to prevent clubs from spending more than they earn and to ensure a level playing field among the teams. The rules are enforced by UEFA and the Premier League, who have the power to impose sanctions such as fines, transfer bans, and points deductions on the clubs that fail to comply.

The rules are based on the financial information that the clubs submit to the authorities, which must be accurate and complete.

However, Chelsea and Manchester City have been accused of submitting false or incomplete financial information to the Premier League and UEFA, which could amount to hundreds of breaches of FFP rules over nine years.

The allegations stem from the revelations made by the new owners of Chelsea, who bought the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2023, and the investigations conducted by the Premier League and UEFA into the financial dealings of both clubs.

The outcome of the investigations and the appeals could have a huge impact on the future of both clubs and the Premier League.

If Chelsea and Manchester City are found guilty of breaking FFP rules, they could face severe consequences, such as hefty fines, transfer bans, exclusion from European competitions, and points deductions.

The latter could result in the clubs being relegated from the Premier League, which would be a massive blow to their prestige, revenue, and fan base.

The prospect of losing two of the most successful and popular clubs in the Premier League is a nightmare scenario for the league, the clubs, and the fans.

It would also have a significant impact on the balance of power and the quality of the competition in English football.

However, it is a scenario that could become a reality if Chelsea and Manchester City are found guilty of breaking FFP rules and if the Premier League follows the rules and imposes the maximum penalty of a 20-point deduction on the clubs.