Gianluigi Donnarumma's agent says the goalkeeper has received assurances from Manchester City and that everyone at the club is calm amid the financial scandal. The club has been found guilty by an independent commission on a number of the 115 charges related to Premier League financial rules.
Manchester City were found to have inflated revenue through sponsorship between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons by over £800 million. Without that inflation, City would have breached profit and sustainability rules in each of those nine seasons, according to the commission's findings.
Club appeals guilty verdicts
Manchester City have lodged an appeal and say they are confident of overturning the guilty verdicts. After the appeal was lodged on October 1, the club said in a statement: 'The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.'
'The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.'
If the appeal fails, Manchester City could face a hefty punishment, including a significant points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League, with fines and transfer bans also possibilities. The future of the club's star players remains uncertain, as they would be unlikely to stay if City were sent down the leagues.
Agent says everyone is calm
Donnarumma's agent, Enzo Raiola, says his client has been reassured on the matter. 'Can the Manchester City chaos change anything? No, it won't change anything for us or for Gigio,' Raiola told Radio Napoli Centrale, via CalcioMercato.
'News comes out periodically. The club has spoken to Gigio, and everyone is calm. Now there are important matches against Liverpool and PSG, and then sporting justice will take its course. But Gigio has received reassurances from Manchester City.'
It is not clear how long the appeal will take or when sanctions might be imposed, leaving a tense wait for everyone involved.
Haaland's situation
Erling Haaland is in the same position as Donnarumma as he waits to hear the club's fate. Raiola's late cousin Mino represented both players, and Enzo says they share a close bond.
'They're two guys with the same character,' he said. 'Haaland was managed by Mino Raiola. Even before that, Gigio had a special relationship with Mino. They're two good guys, two warriors with hearts of gold. That's why they're a good fit.'
Haaland has not addressed the issue, but Norway teammate Kristoffer Ajer said he was unfazed on international duty. 'He's been exactly the way he's always the same with the national team,' said Ajer. 'He's truly focused on the upcoming games. I think he's trying to do the same as everyone else, wait and see what the outcome is – but right now the main focus is Wales tomorrow night. That's clearly been his way of doing it.'
