REUTERS/ Phil Noble
After Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 'virtually all' of their 115 charges relating to breaching the Premier League's financial fair play rules, many questions remain unanswered about what the future holds for the Citizens.
Whilst City and the Premier League haven't confirmed whether any decision has been made yet, clubs are already planning legal action and seeking potential compensation from Manchester City, with some believing they should benefit from at least one Premier League title if City were to be stripped of any previous titles.
Although no punishments have been made known just yet, sanctions could range from sport-related to financially related. However, despite the verdict reportedly being given today, any punishments could be some way off, with City likely wanting to appeal the verdict, which could drag out any punishments.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola
Worries Amongst City Staff & Players
Reuters
With the news coming out today, reports have emerged suggesting that staff at the club are worried they could lose their jobs, concerned that any financial losses could result in jobs being cut to offset any losses.
According to journalist Juan Jesus, players were shocked to hear the outcome as they weren't expecting such a heavy ruling, leaving the future of the club a big mystery.
Players have reportedly contacted agents to demand explanations and understand how big the situation could be for them, and how any consequences for the club could affect their own contracts.
Adding to this, there have been separate reports that the atmosphere at the City Football Academy has been 'very solemn', with staff asking their superiors what kind of punishment the club could be receiving and how that could possibly impact them. Many are said to be fearful of losing their jobs, while some are angry that past executives at the club did not front up and speak publicly.
However, whilst this situation remains at the early stages, any consequences for the club will be some time away, and no immediate action from players or staff is expected.
Possible Consequences For City as Rivals Circle
REUTERS/Phil Noble
Due to the guilty verdict being potentially the biggest in footballing history, no one knows what punishment could possibly be conjured up for the Blues, as rivals eagerly await to see what they could be entitled to.
When charges were first brought against the club in 2023, ideas were floated, such as City losing any trophies won during the period the charges relate to, or possible relegation to the lower tiers, or a heavy points deduction. A heavy fine could also be possible, but many fans and rival clubs will want to see sporting sanctions imposed on Enzo Maresca's side.
Andy Burnham glancing to his left
Andy Burnham glancing to his left
According to reports, Manchester United have already begun their own assessments on how much money they could be owed from Manchester City, considering they would theoretically be winners of the Premier League on multiple occasions if City were to be stripped of their previous titles.
Other rival clubs also served legal notices against City previously, reserving the right to receive compensation from the Blues in regard to any financial losses they incurred due to City affecting their sporting success.
Manchester City Badge on the floor
Manchester City Badge on the floor