Former Arsenal and England international, Paul Merson, has demanded that Manchester City be stripped of all the titles they won between 2009 and 2018.
Following a rigorous four-year investigation, the Premier League issued a statement concerning Manchester City’s alleged violations of the league’s financial regulations, as determined by an Independent Committee.
Merson joined other analysts in offering commentary on the matter.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England international said, “First of all, take all their trophies away. I think that’s the first thing. It’s not because of us, it’s our children’s children’s children in 50, 60 or 70 years’ time, if you look through and see that Manchester City dominated, it’s not going to say underneath that they were guilty of anything so I think that’s got to be taken off.
“I’m not saying to go and give those titles to whoever finished second because I think that’s a real kick in the teeth in itself if you go and do that. But I think that’s got to be wiped. For me, in my opinion, that’s got to be wiped off the face that they dominated it by doing what they were doing.”
Investigations revealed that Manchester City had allegedly orchestrated fraudulent contracts with select commercial associates to conceal undisclosed financial support. According to the Premier League’s statement, the concealed funding throughout the period from 2009 to 2018 totalled approximately £830 million.
Manchester City have issued a counter-statement asserting their innocence and have been granted until October 2 to lodge a formal appeal challenging the determination.
