Bayern eye Haaland as City faces heavy sanctions
While Bayern Munich is leaving the door ajar for Erling Haaland, Manchester City faces the threat of heavy sanctions after an investigation that confirms 114 of the 115 financial fair‑play charges against the club. The investigation covers the period 2009 to 2018 and could lead to points deductions, loss of titles or even relegation.
Bayern's interest in Haaland
Erling Haaland has a contract that runs until June 2034 with the Citizens. Bayern Munich has shown interest, but chairman Herbert Hainer made clear in the German press that there is no deal at this moment.
Possible sanctions and impact
Hein Vanhaezebrouck, former coach of AA Gent, states that a points deduction could only cost the title. He suggests a possible deduction of sixty points, meaning City would need to earn a hundred points to avoid relegation.
According to Vanhaezebrouck, a relegation of one, two or even three divisions would really hit the club. He warns that a return to the Championship within a year is possible, but the impact remains huge.
English clubs are calling for very severe punishments, including exclusion from the Premier League and a ban on the owners from participating in the competition. A source says that in the worst case the sanction could mean complete exclusion from professional football. The pressure on Man is increasing after the recent revelations.
Responses from football
Yves Leterme, former Belgian prime minister and from 2014 to 2021 financial watchdog of UEFA, recalls his attempt to punish City seven years ago. At 65 years old he confirms that the current findings corroborate the earlier concerns.
The 33‑year‑old former midfielder Paul Pogba, interviewed during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, joked: “I have nothing to say, I just hope this does not affect the Premier League and that two titles can be restored.” He refers to the two championships that City may have to forfeit.
Manchester City has lodged an appeal against the decision of the independent committee, stating that the judgment contains “clear material, legal and factual errors.” The club has emphasized that the accusations are unfounded.