BBC Sport has spoken to a number of senior figures with the game in recent days who are concerned about prospect of City qualifying for the Champions League next season.

The feeling is that if City do not win their appeal and are therefore handed a strong sanction, then being allowed to compete alongside Europe’s elite, and receiving the financial rewards which come with it, would not be acceptable.

The immediate issue surrounds the Uefa licence, which every club needs in order to play in Europe.

One source said the issue of City’s licence “had been raised” and that a solution “would require the sort of joined up thinking that’s been a bit lacking so far”.

The licences are issued by the Football Association, though the process itself is delegated to the Premier League.

The licences are based upon current information which does not take into account sanctions or breaches related to historical offences.

If a club fulfils all minimum criteria required for admission, the licence cannot be refused.

The key reasons a club may fail relate to overdue payables to other teams, players or outstanding tax liabilities.

Match-fixing convictions within the last 10 years, or a integrity conflict related to multi-club ownership, are considered but would not apply to City.

A source added that “licences are awarded on the basis of current financial performance, so the grounds to refuse one are unclear”.

If the verdict is upheld by the appeal board is it likely City will face severe sanctions, which could include heavy points deductions, a large fine and transfer embargos.

The sanctioning hearing, which will determine the level of punishment City must face, is yet to be scheduled.

While a points deduction could rule City out of qualifying by league position, it might still be achieved through cup competitions.

Expelling City from the Premier League immediately is also an option which remains on the table.

A panel of BBC Sport correspondents explore what sanctions Manchester City could face after being found guilty of all charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

WATCH MORE: Your Manchester City questions answered by the experts, external

Leicester Tigers hooker Finn Theobald-Thomas has been forced to retire immediately on medical grounds.

The 23-year-old joined Tigers ahead of the 2023-24 season and made 33 appearances.

The Prem club did not disclose the nature of Theobald-Thomas’s injury, but said, external that they and the Rugby Players’ Association will “continue to support Finn as he begins the transition into retirement”.

“It’s difficult to put into words what rugby has meant to me,” Theobald-Thomas wrote on Instagram., external

“This isn’t how I imagined my career ending, and having something I’ve worked towards and loved for so much of my life taken out of my hands is incredibly difficult to accept.

“But when I look back, a kid from Bradmore lived the dream of playing for his boy hood rugby club, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. Rugby has given me some of the best moments of my life, friendships that will last forever, and memories I’ll carry with me long after I’ve stopped playing.”

Tigers head coach Geoff Parling said: “I’m gutted with this news of Finn’s retirement from rugby, both from a team point of view and for him personally to have such a promising rugby journey cut short.”

“He is a loveable bloke who is exactly the type of character you’d want to be around, unselfish and fully invested in the team. We’ll miss him and he knows that he’ll always be part of this team.”