Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has admitted he trusts the independent Premier League commission to decide potential sanctions for Manchester City after being found guilty of financial-rule breaches, but expects the process to take time.

The Premier League confirmed in late September that an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 115 charges related to “serious breaches” of the competition’s financial rules over a nine-season period between 2009/10 and 2017/18.

The panel have yet to announce any sanctions, which will be addressed separately, but Manchester City have also used their right to appeal the guilty verdict.

The outcome of this case will obviously affect the rest of the Premier League, including Chelsea, given that the public’s perception of the competition’s integrity may be at stake.

Alonso believes it is not his place to share his opinion about the case, but he expressed his confidence in the independent commission’s ability to resolve the issue.

“For sure, there is a decision, but we need to be patient,” Alonso explained in his press conference on Friday when asked about Manchester City’s situation.

“We need to wait until the final sanctions from the panel. I think that they are independent enough to assess all the situations.

“I’m not an expert, and whatever I say, they (the panel) are the ones that have to take it. We need to respect it and be patient.

“For sure, there will be a moment when we will know, but probably it’s going to take a little longer.

“Let’s see what happens within the rules to be respected.”

Reports suggest the possible punishments range from financial penalties, transfer bans, a points deduction, to expulsion from the top division.

Manchester City lodged their appeal on October 1, which would then be reviewed by a new three-person independent appeal board. The rules state that the appeal process must conclude within 12 weeks, meaning it would have to finish by late 2026 or early 2027.

Meanwhile, the original independent commission will meet to make a decision on the sanctions that should be applied to Manchester City. There is no time frame for this, but ideally, the punishment will have been decided by the time the appeal case concludes.

While a financial fine or a transfer ban would not directly affect Chelsea, footballing punishments such as a points deduction could benefit Alonso’s side, who are vying for a Champions League spot this season.

Chelsea currently sit 10th in the Premier League table after a poor defensive record early in the season. 

They would certainly welcome any edge they could get to ensure a top-five finish, which would likely be required to qualify for the Champions League. Obviously, Manchester City currently lead the table with a three-point cushion over second-placed Arsenal.

Additionally, it would not be a surprise if some Chelsea fans held grudges against Manchester City over Enzo Maresca’s mid-season departure last season and Enzo Fernandez’s transfer saga this summer.