If Man City has broken the rules, which way will the pendulum fall?

With Manchester City currently in the dog house with the Premier League, it will be very interesting to see what punishment would be handed down if they are found guilty of breaking Financial Fair Play rules.

Let’s say some or all of the claims are judged to be true, would the Premier League and the English Football League actually relegate City to the National Conference, forcing them to climb the English football pyramid the way Rangers had to do in Scotland in 2012, and now again in 2023. Rangers have been dropped twice from the Scottish Premiership due to poor financial handling of the club’s finances. In 2012 they had to actually reform the club following both administration and liquidation.

European giants Juventus is another club that was discounted points just this season in Serie A. The Old Lady was found guilty of pressuring referees to favor their club.

So, if two of football’s biggest and most successful clubs can be punished, why not Manchester City?

If the PL and EFL have credibility and ethics, there can be no other way. Of course, the severity of the punishment must be based on the final evidence and by those making the final decision.

Now, I want to be clear, I am not putting the cart before the horse, because Man City has not been found guilty of anything. There is such a thing as innocent until proven guilty, however, there are a few things to consider if the pendulum doesn’t fall their way.

Manchester City has a lot of star power in the Premier League, including a very popular global brand, one of the game’s great managers, and a closet full of big trophies. To drop City to a lower division could be financially catastrophic to the Premier League. Their value in TV contracts, merchandising and other marketing ventures is worth millions, if not billions.

I’m glad I don’t make those decisions, but for me, if they are found guilty, this goes beyond football. It goes to the very core of credibility, ethics and fair play.

If Manchester City is found guilty, it will be interesting to see which way the pendulum falls.

Thoughts?

Gunner1953