By Aidan Leo
The recent verdict over Manchester City’s finances has left the club’s players facing an uncertain future according to Sky Sports pundits.
They warn that the fallout could affect how the players approach their careers and how the club’s trophy-winning era is remembered.
An independent commission found Man City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules during a nine-season period, while three of four alleged cooperation breaches were upheld.
Feelings of uncertainty
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes Man City players will be wondering whether the independent commission’s findings could ultimately force the club to sell members of their squad.
“I think everyone was surprised by how comprehensive it was and such language it was used, but they [Premier League] are sure of their findings,” Smith said on Sky Sports.
“Firstly, the phrase ‘conspiracy theory’ is just ridiculous – but as a player, you are caught in the middle.
“There is a feeling of uncertainty. You’re thinking, ‘how long now will I be at Man City, will they have to sell me, where will I end up?’
“They will be talking to their agents and that cannot help as a player when you walk out on to the pitch.
“But at the moment, they do not know where they stand.”
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Achievements are tainted
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp, meanwhile, focused on the potential impact on the players who won trophies during the period under investigation.
He suggested former Man City players could feel that their achievements have been undermined despite having performed in good faith on the pitch.
“They will think, ‘I’ve deserved them and done all I could on the pitch,’ because they would have been told everything is straightforward here,” Redknapp said.
“They will feel let down, but time is a great healer – but history will not be kind on them.”
Take away titles
Another Red in Jamie Carragher went further, arguing that Man City’s titles from the period should ultimately be removed from the club’s record.
“I do think Manchester City’s titles they’ve won in this time or trophies should be taken off their list,” Carragher said.
“Whether other clubs should get them is slightly different.”
Carragher also said the consequences would go beyond medals, asserting that the controversy had changed how former Man City players could look back on their biggest moments.
“It’s not about medals, it’s about feelings – and that’s what Manchester City have robbed,” he added.
Man City have rejected the commission’s findings and confirmed they will appeal, with the club describing the decision as containing “clear material errors of law, principle and fact”.
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