But my theory holds for all the affected clubs; all 9 of them and not just city. If there was a case I find it very odd that all 9 have agreed to pay up and not one club is prepared to challenge.
I still do not see this though. If City felt they had a case then they would be able to sue the living day lights out of UEFA if they were banned for a year. UEFA would be ruined. I'm not convinced UEFA would be able to risk this. I think the reality is that there is no case.
But if they felt they had a case why did they agree to any fine or restrictions? And what about the other 9 team who also all complied? Maybe there was no case?