Manchester City have been found guilty on most of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that an independent commission had found City guilty on all points relating to breaches of the league’s financial regulations between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons. The club had previously denied the charges, but has now lodged an appeal.
There is uncertainty surrounding the ability of City to retain players, renew contracts, and complete transfers. It is not clear whether players in the squad have exit clauses. The prevailing view is that any fall in the league would result in a mass exodus of players. The squad is full of international talent, and many profiles and personal sponsorship deals for players depend on playing in the Premier League.
Among the current members of the City squad, there is a significant level of concern about how they will be affected. People close to the players express great scepticism that the upcoming appeals will bring relief to the club. Others firmly believe in the promises made by City’s executives, Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Ferran Soriano, that they will prove the club’s innocence.
City has the right to claim compensation for transfers. The majority of players do not have a relegation clause in their contracts, and their contracts are fully guaranteed. Players would not have to accept a percentage reduction in wages if they were relegated from the elite tier. City has some of the highest wages in the world, and parachute pay could mitigate these concerns. There is no guarantee that the club would be entitled to these funds if relegated.
It is unlikely that City would decide to keep the squad completely intact if they were to drop down the leagues. City is likely not to sell in distress, and are still firmly in control of the situation, regardless of how players feel. It is unlikely that the club would simply walk away and let disappointed players go without appropriate offers. City can afford the storm as they have a large wage bill, but other clubs may not be willing to meet similar wage demands. One agent told BBC Sport: 'Some players want medals, all players want money.'
Subsequent amendment of the contract, for example by adding a relegation clause, is generally not possible. Any deal involving an exit strategy for players if the club is relegated from the Premier League would have to be negotiated as a new contract. Players are likely to wait for clarity on the sanctions before entering into contract negotiations. One way to persuade a player to renew would be to offer a significant financial incentive to re-sign, neutralising the risk of relegation. Many agents who spoke to BBC Sport believe that players will be advised to wait for clarity on the sanctions before even considering opening negotiations.
Only Mateo Kovačić, Matheus Nunes, Marcus Bettinelli and Geronimo Rulli have contracts expiring in the next two years. Fifa is preparing new rules according to which any contract signed on 1 January 2027 or later must include an exit clause.
