Man City players believe relegation is a possibility following charges

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FT Desk

The future of Manchester City as a football club is unclear following the bombshell news that they have been found guilty of 114 financial breaches by the Premier League.

The case centres largely on the club’s financial reporting between 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League questioning whether City accurately reported information about sponsorship deals, revenue, expenses and payments made to players and managers.

The club are also accused of breaking UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations and the Premier League’s own financial rules. In addition, City face allegations that they did not fully cooperate with the investigation, including failing to provide information and documents requested by the Premier League.

City have rejected the allegations and continue to deny any wrongdoing. The case has taken several years to reach this stage, and the outcome could have significant consequences for the club if the charges are proven. Possible punishments could include a financial penalty, points deduction or even relegation, though no final punishment has been confirmed.

It is that last potential outcome - relegation - that is reportedly concerning some of the Man City players.

L'Equipe reported on Wednesday that one agent of a Man City player told the French outlet there are real fears of relegation into the Championship from inside the squad.

The club spent €526.20m on new talent in the summer, with Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Iliman Ndiaye, Allan, Mathys Detourbet, Jeremy Monga and Geronimo Rulli all arriving.

Should one of the sanctions be a points deduction that makes relegation unavoidable, there will likely be an exodus of big stars at the Etihad.

The most concerning for the club would be talismanic striker Erling Haaland, who has even been linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal this week.

The Norwegian is also a long-term target for both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

One sanction could also see Man City stripped of their Premier League titles won between 2009 and 2018 following the Abu Dhabi takeover.