The news that shook the world of soccer on Friday afternoon came from England regarding the Manchester City case, in which an independent committee ruled that the club was fully guilty of the 115 financial violations identified in its operations.
From coaches’ and players’ salaries to non-compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, as well as the Premier League’s sustainability and profitability regulations, the “Citizens” have been in the eye of the storm for years. And this saga, which began in 2023, reached its first major turning point three years later. However, given the Manchester club’s appeal and its efforts to defend its interests, the saga is expected to drag on for several more months.
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Among the scenarios being openly discussed regarding the sanctions City will face is the stripping of titles. This isn’t very likely. In fact, the chances are virtually nonexistent. But it’s of serious interest to the teams whose title counts could change if such a “bombshell” were to drop in the Premier League.
The years for which City currently finds itself on the ropes are from 2009 to 2018. During that period, City celebrated titles in 2012, 2014, and 2018. In the first instance, the whole… world remembers “Agueroooooo” and the “Citizens’” first top-flight championship in 44 years. And that title slipped away from Sir Alex Ferguson’s United by a mere goal difference! So, one more for the “Red Devils”…
In 2014, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool lost the title to City by a two-point margin. Who could forget that 3-3 draw between the “Reds” and Crystal Palace in London, Luis Suárez’s heart-wrenching tears, Steven Gerrard’s dark thoughts after losing the title, and that season with its dramatic finale? Plus one for Liverpool here, since the “Citizens” had secured the top spot with an 86-84 record.
The third and final example: the 2018 Manchester United under… José Mourinho! “Respect, man, respect… I’ve got three championships” and much more from the Portuguese manager of that era. Manchester’s “Blues” had reached the 100-point mark to dominate the Premier League, with their city rivals finishing second.
It’ll be interesting to hear a comment from the “Special One,” who has every reason to be proud of the trophies and the Europa League title he won with United. And someone could even send him his 2018 championship medal.
*photo source: AP
