After close to two of doing extensive investigations, the European football governing body finally revealed that Manchester City violated the Fair Play rules and were guilty as accused.
And, they did drop the sledgehammer, hitting the Citizens where it hurt most.
For the next two seasons, the club won’t be allowed to participate in any UEFA sanctioned competition. It doesn’t end there. A further $32m fine has been dropped at their doorstep, showing just how serious the governing body is committed to leveling the playground.
While the season comes to an end, and the transfer window opens its doors, the Citizens will be waiting with bated breath to know their fate in the transfer market. But more importantly, it’s the outcome of their appeal at the Court of Arbitration on Lausanne that will guide most senior players’ decisions.
Several players are already angling up for moves elsewhere, with the German playmaker Kevin De Bruyne topping the list.
Does the ban affect their current Champions League Campaign?
Not at all. The ban could take effect from next season if all things remain as they’re. However, that will also majorly depend on the ruling from the CAS in Lausanne in early July. Nonetheless, despite the outcome, City will still see their Champions League campaign to the end.
Was the ban worth the fair play violations?
Again, this would be a difficult question to answer given the many intrigues surrounding this transfer saga. And your judgment would entirely depend on where you’re looking at it from. As to whether the decision to put their Champions League campaign on hold for two years was biased, that is for the courts to decide.
If the ban is upheld, what does it mean for other Premier League clubs and their financial weight?
As the Premier League currently stands, Manchester City would automatically gain a direct spot in the group stage of next season’s Champions League.
However, that won’t happen. Instead, the team that will finish fifth will get an automatic qualification to the group stages of the Champions League.
Could we witness mass transfer from the Etihad Stadium?
Pep Guardiola has openly talked about his desire to win the Champions League with Manchester City. But more than just Guardiola, some players wouldn’t imagine a season without night football.
Kevin De Bruyne is almost turning 30. It means he would be over thirty years by the end of the two seasons ban. Already he’s being linked with a move to Real Madrid, and the CAS decision might be what he needs to decide on his future.
Leroy Sane might return to his country to link with Bayern Munich. The looming ban might be what he needs to walk out, given that he hasn’t had plenty of playing time. Finally, their captain will be going back to Spain as he plans on his retirement from football.
There are, however, several players who would want to leave. And with Manchester City banned from buying any player, a possible mass exodus would hit them below the belt. It’s the last thing Pep would wish for.
