Manchester City could face a mass exodus of more than 20 players after they were found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League. The verdict, delivered on Friday, leaves the futures of almost the entire first-team squad in serious doubt.
Guilty verdict on 115 charges
The club were charged in 2023 following an investigation into alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018 and referred to an independent commission. They were accused of failing to provide accurate financial information and details of payments to players and coaches, as well as breaching UEFA’s financial fair play (FFP) regulations and Premier League profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and will almost certainly launch an appeal in due course. However, if that appeal fails, they will be heavily punished. The sanctions on the table would include a fine, a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League altogether.
Star players could push for exits
In a worst-case scenario, the vast majority of City's first-team squad could push for exits in order to continue their careers elsewhere. That would include star players like Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Rayan Cherki, Josko Gvardiol and Antoine Semenyo.
Their summer signings might also look to depart, meaning the futures of Iliman Ndiaye, Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Allan and Geronimo Rulli could soon be in serious doubt. A number of England internationals, including the likes of Phil Foden, Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly, might have the same idea.
Academy stars and potential stayers
Other players like Mateo Kovacic, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, Marcus Bettinelli and Jeremy Doku could decide to walk away as well. It remains to be seen if the club's academy stars, such as Floyd Samba, Kaden Braithwaite and Ryan McAidoo, would look to leave or if they would stay and help City in the lower leagues of English football.
However, there is a chance that at least a few senior players would resist the temptation to move. Back when Juventus were relegated to Italy's second-tier as a result of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini stayed to help the Italian giants secure an immediate return to Serie A.
