Man City — What happens now?
It is simply time for the grown-ups to take control because a dangerous tragedy is unfolding. In Italy, a lesser tragedy had enormous costs for individuals. City has close to a 1,000 employees. 100,000s of committed fans.
The path forward is clear.
1. The PL can expel a club with a 15/20 majority. An emergency meeting should be summoned to form that majority.
2. Draw up a Settlement Agreement to be entered into between the PL, City, its owners and all clubs, which stipulates:
-That City is hit with a 150 pts deduction in 26/27 and will be relegated to the Championship.
-That City won’t play any more PL games during 26/27, it’s not fair on anyone to play those meaningless games. City’s 26/27 season continues in the national cups and the CL.
-City agree on a ban on Related Party Transactions for a 10 year period. They simply have to accept to not be sponsored by its owner and not to buy and sell players from/to their owner.
-The PL clubs, City and City’s owner agree and accept that all litigation relating to damages for the breaches shall take place between a separate entity other than City with an indemnity from City’s owner. Ie the club’s future will not have an uncertain threat hanging over it for 5-10 years, the clubs and City’s owner simply agree to settle it between them in a way that leaves ‘football’ out of it.
-The involved City executives are with immediate effect banned for life from working for English football clubs and from visiting any football establishment in England. Should Tixi and Pep be included? Look, you are talking about the 3rd-4th highest ranking officials at this club. Half the football world knew their club was cheating — but they had no idea? They knew absolutely nothing?
-All parties agree that the question whether titles shall be stripped shall be deferred to an advisory board including experts and fans (sorry
@KieranMaguire ‘s wife, your husband must be on it).
-The question whether City’s owner must sell the club is deferred to the Regulator. No need to get into a complicated issue that probably will handle itself.
3. The Settlement Agreement is taken to City and its owner. They are told to sign or be expelled with immediate effect. There is no reason for why this cannot be done within a month. And football can move on.
To understand the implications of the above, you must have a fairly good view of the finances of City etc. I have a rough view and I think it’s balanced and fair. Simply you do not pull the plug, but it is not just a slap on the wrist.
I don’t really care if it is “fair”, football is at risk — save it.