Manchester City “would settle for a penalty” in their FFP case – Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes Manchester City “would settle for a penalty” in their FFP case, but the saga could also “drag on for years”.
Hearing into long-running case has begun speculation is rife regarding sanctions city have maintained innocence throughout
WHAT HAPPENED?
The hearing into supposed financial mismanagement at the Etihad Stadium is now well underway. Premier League champions City have between 115 and 130 charges hanging over their head, with an investigation into dealings on the blue half of Manchester turning the clock back to 2009.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Manchester-City-Etihad-Stadium-2023
Speculation is rife regarding what happens next, with it suggested that City could face expulsion from the top flight – and potentially the Football League entirely – if found guilty of serious wrongdoing. The Blues are, however, adamant that they have done nothing wrong and continue to fight their corner.
WHAT FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE CEO SAID
A definitive ruling remains some way off, with Wyness telling Football Insider of what could happen behind closed doors if City were to be offered a compromise sanction that removes a long-running distraction for all concerned: “I think the Premier League definitely want to get this over with and learn better lessons on how to regulate the game. Man City can’t keep fighting these battles. PR wise and from a global public image point of view, they know they’ve got to put this to bed. Everyone loves the football they’ve been playing, but there is a cloud looming over them.
“It’s in everyone’s interest to get this solved, it’s gone on for so long. But if there’s a settlement, there has to be a clear reason. It could be that both sides have got very good cases. I hope common sense will prevail. I think Man City would settle and take a penalty. I’d love to be a fly on the wall in these hearings. Nevertheless, it’s all going to come out in the wash – and hopefully it won’t drag on for years, as it may well do.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?
Pep Guardiola Champions League trophy Manchester City 2023
City’s case will drag on into 2025 and beyond if a ruling is passed that they deem unacceptable and subsequent appeals are lodged. For now, Pep Guardiola’s side are focused on chasing down a fifth-successive Premier League crown, alongside domestic cup and prestigious European honours.
Latest Manchester City injury news with updates on Erling Haaland, Nathan Ake, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Oscar Bobb ahead of the Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava
Erling Haaland of Manchester City
Erling Haaland of Manchester City
Manchester City will be forced to deal with several injury concerns going into the clash against Slovan Bratislava.
City travel to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in their second league phase fixture of the Champions League this season. Pep Guardiola’s side are looking for their first win in the competition this term after being held to a goalless draw with Inter Milan in their previous match.
Rodri will miss the game with a knee injury that is expected to rule the midfielder out for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old is not the only player on the sidelines through injury for City, with Guardiola likely to be forced to have other members of his squad unavailable for selection.
MEN Sport takes a look at City’s current injury list going into the Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland emerged as a potential fitness doubt following City’s draw with Newcastle at the weekend.
The City striker appeared to pick up a knock during the stalemate at St James’ Park despite playing the full 90 minutes. Guardiola said that Haaland will be assessed before the trip to face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
“He [Haaland] has some knocks, we’ll see the next days,” Guardiola told reporters.
Potential return date: Slovan Bratislava (A) – October 1
Rodri
Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on September 22.
The Spain international underwent surgery last week and is now expected to miss the remainder of the season with the injury.
Potential return date: August 2025
Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake suffered a hamstring injury while featuring for the Netherlands during the September international break.
Ake has missed all of City’s last five matches in all competition and is not expected to return until after the next round of international fixtures in October.
Potential return date: Wolves (A) – October 20
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has missed City’s last three matches with a thigh injury he suffered during the draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League last month.
Guardiola admitted he was uncertain if De Bruyne would be able to return before the October international break begins next weekend.
“I don’t know,” said the City manager. “Before maybe the (October) international break, or after the international break. So we will see.”
Potential return date: Fulham (H) – October 5 or Wolves (A) – October 20
Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb suffered a fractured leg during a training session back in August.
The 21-year-old was given a timeframe of three to four months for a return, meaning it could be in December that Bobb becomes available for selection once again.
Potential return date: December
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