Keane urges City players to bin medals as Wright demands sanction

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has urged Manchester City players to put their recent medals in the bin after the Premier League confirmed on Tuesday evening that the club had been found guilty of most of its financial‑fair‑play charges, the verdict covered alleged sham deals worth up to £900m.

Verdict and financial implications

The Premier League announced on Tuesday that Manchester City had breached financial‑fair‑play (FFP) rules, with the club alleged to have used sham agreements to save reported at between £830 million and £900 million. The club has until Friday 2 October to lodge an appeal and has said it will contest the decision. The investigation covered the period from 2009 to 2018, during which the club collected eight trophies.

Potential sanctions range from a hefty fine to a transfer ban, points deduction, possible expulsion from the Premier League and the stripping of titles won in the investigated era. The independent commission noted that witnesses had provided false evidence, heightening the seriousness of the case.

Reactions from former players

Keane told ITV that “they knew it would hurt a lot of people but they still did it”, adding that any player who enjoyed success in that period would be “100 percent sticking those medals in the bin”. He warned that the situation would make it very difficult for current players to maintain professionalism.

United eye City stars as Premier League fate hangs in balance

Ian Wright described the conduct as “cheating on an industrial scale” and argued that an “unprecedented punishment” is required. He said the club’s owners have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, which he called “just not right”.

Wayne Rooney, speaking on the Stick to United podcast, said he would not feel comfortable accepting another Premier League medal, describing the idea of having titles taken away as “absolutely devastating”. He recalled United finishing runners‑up to City in the 2011‑12 season.

If the appeal fails, Manchester City could be stripped of the three Premier League titles won between 2009 and 2018, alongside other honours. The club’s future in the Premier League remains uncertain as the deadline approaches.