Manchester City await charges outcome as chairman holds firm
City return to Anfield facing familiar off-pitch noise, with focus on whether Enzo Maresca’s side can respond as Pep Guardiola’s treble winners did in 2023.
Former chairman David Bernstein said any sanction must affect City’s league status, arguing fines are meaningless and suggesting a points deduction or relegation.
Roberto Mancini disputed reports that Manchester City were found guilty and distanced himself from allegations over a second contract, saying it is ‘their problem, not mine’.
Real Madrid are reportedly unlikely to pursue Erling Haaland next year despite City’s legal uncertainty, with his long contract and their attacking options blocking a move.
Erling Haaland scored for Norway, but Portugal won 2-1 after Orjan Nyland’s error gifted Goncalo Ramos the winner. Ruben Dias also denied his City team-mate.
Rayan Cherki’s deeper midfield role for France against Türkiye raised the prospect of Enzo Maresca using him there for City after Zinedine Zidane praised his all-round game.
City’s case may yet bring a points deduction, delayed sanctions, a rapid appeal or compensation claims from rival clubs, leaving major uncertainty for the Premier League.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak told supporters City remain confident of clearing their name, with the Premier League case still ongoing and no punishment yet announced.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo could miss City’s trip to Anfield after suffering an ankle injury on Netherlands duty, adding to Liverpool’s attacking concerns.
Cas is sport’s arbitration body, handling governance, contract and disciplinary disputes. It oversees many cases, but Manchester City’s Premier League charges cannot be appealed there.
Erling Haaland was due to face the media before Norway’s game with Portugal, after reaction to Manchester City’s guilty verdict.
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa missed England’s main training session, following individual programmes before Tuesday’s match against Czechia.
Javier Tebas revived his long-running criticism of City’s financial model, saying the case shows the need for economic oversight, though proceedings and any sanction remain ongoing.
Erling Haaland’s City future could hinge on any sanction, though he has said he trusts the club. Relegation or major penalties could prompt interest from elite clubs.
