Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching 114 of the 115 Premier League financial charges they faced, a verdict that has rocked the football world. The club is expected to appeal, and no sanctions have been decided at this point, but supporters of teams who finished runners-up to City between 2009 and 2018 have eyes on being awarded a retrospective title.
United fans eye retrospective titles
Manchester United fans have quickly pointed to the 2011/2012 and 2017/18 seasons when the Reds finished runners-up to City. Just imagine if the Sergio Aguero moment eventually counted for nothing? It would be extraordinary.
Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge that day. Jose Mourinho was in charge in 2017/2018, and the Portuguese cheekily suggested he still had hope of being awarded that title when he spoke during a press conference two years ago.
City's response to the verdict
A City spokesperson said: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023."
The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.
Potential sanctions and appeal
City have insisted they are innocent of wrongdoing over the last three years, but they could face severe sanctions if an appeal process does not go their way, which is why the story has rocked the industry.
Mourinho is not the only one keeping a close eye on the story. Every United fan in the pub on Friday night will be suggesting so.
