Man City FFP prospect fuels Erling Haaland exit as club aims to stay

Manchester City face a potential sanction after being found guilty of creating £830 million of sham commercial deals, a scandal that also raises questions over whether striker Erling Haaland might depart the Premier League club as the club awaits the Premier League commission’s decision on possible punishments.

Manchester City remain hopeful that a scenario could emerge allowing them to stay in the Premier League despite being found guilty on 114 counts of financial irregularities, a former Cityzens star told TEAMtalk exclusively.

The interview was published as an exclusive.

The eight-time Premier League champions have been found guilty of cooking their books and creating £830 million of sham commercial deals to fund excessive squad spending over nine years between 2009 and 2018.

City continue to protest their innocence, have already appealed the verdict, and a separate Premier League commission is currently deliberating the appropriate punishment.

Potential sanctions and legal battle

Possible punishments range from demotion from the Premier League, potentially down the English Football League, to a multi‑season points deduction and a ban on future incoming signings.

Former Manchester City star Michael Ball believes the club, prepared to take the case to the High Court, still hopes to avoid the severest penalties and remain in the Premier League.

Ball said the best outcome would be for the findings to be overturned.

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He added that City would want to stay in the Premier League and hoped the outcome might be a fine.

Ball warned of possible consequences such as player exits, squad changes and wider questions, but said remaining in the league would be a victory.

One subplot concerns the future of several big‑name stars, with Norwegian striker Erling Haaland attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona as a result of the guilty verdict.

Haaland has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher asked a top sports lawyer whether he could join Liverpool on a free transfer.

Ball, who played 67 times for City between 2007 and 2009, has always felt Haaland’s career progression points to Spain, particularly Real Madrid.

He said Haaland did well at Dortmund, moved to City – the club he supported as a child – and the next step could be another major challenge, perhaps Real Madrid or Barcelona.

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Ball added that he finds it difficult to see Haaland staying in the Premier League, but only the player knows his wishes, and he might stay if happy in England.

When asked if Haaland could play alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ball replied he would not want to play against them, would be happy watching from the sofa, and thought having the two together would be a fantastic spectacle.

Former City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel argued that a 125‑point deduction over five years would be the fairest solution.

Gary Neville called for three severe sanctions but stopped short of demanding a triple relegation.