One Man City star urged to stay and fight as club faces financial disaster

Manchester City have been found guilty of every breach of the Premier League’s financial regulations covering a nine‑year period, and a club‑owned star is being tipped to remain and help the side fight back from relegation.

Guilty verdict and alleged sham contracts

The independent panel confirmed that City were culpable on all charges relating to the 2009‑2018 window, totalling 115 alleged offences. It concluded the club used sham contracts with commercial partners to inflate revenue and cut costs by more than £900m.

City maintain their innocence and have lodged an appeal, describing the panel’s findings as containing “clear essential errors” in law, principle and fact, and insisting they possess “irrefutable evidence” to support their position.

Potential sanctions and voting hurdle

The Premier League says expulsion is among the possible punishments, but it would require the support of fifteen of the twenty clubs to be enacted.

Other sanctions could include a hefty fine, forced relegation or the stripping of up to seven trophies won between 2011 and 2018, such as three Premier League titles and several cup victories.

Player futures and expert commentary

Leading barrister Paul Gilroy KC warned that players might have legal recourse to terminate contracts if the club’s financial position collapses.

Former Everton chief Keith Wyness suggested academy graduate Phil Foden could stay at Manchester City to aid a promotion push, noting the wage and cost pressures the club would face.

Wyness added that clubs like Sheffield Wednesday have suffered financial disaster after relegation, and cited Rangers’ demotion in Scotland as an example of how a drop can eventually benefit a league.

Etihad Airways issued a 307‑word statement threatening legal action over the commission’s findings, though the wording was described as a “blunder”.

The appeal will be heard by a new three‑person panel, with a decision required within twelve weeks, although the league has indicated the deadline could be waived.

City’s ownership by the City Football Group since 2008 was highlighted in the allegations, which also accuse senior officials of failing to cooperate with the investigation.