Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has expressed his devastation after the Premier League found the club guilty of financial rule breaches. An independent commission discovered that City arranged "sham contracts" with commercial partners to disguise secret funding of over £830m. Richards, part of City's title-winning squad in 2011-12, described the reports as "troubling" and felt "absolutely devastated" upon reading the Premier League's "damning" guilty verdict.
The Premier League confirmed City guilty of all charges related to breaches of financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The club won the Premier League three times during this period. Richards, who joined City's youth academy at 14, lived with a local family who are long-term supporters of the club. He revealed that his "digs man" rang him in tears, asking for information about the club's situation.
Richards shared his emotional connection to the club, stating that he would "die for that club" and achieved his dream at Manchester City. However, hearing the reports was "absolutely devastating" for him and the fans. The 38-year-old expressed feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion, citing the club's denial of any wrongdoing.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano have publicly defended the club. Al Mubarak stated that City remains confident of proving its innocence, while Soriano claimed that "irrefutable evidence" was "ignored" by the commission.
The club has until October 2 to submit an appeal against the Premier League's guilty verdict. Richards' comments reflect the emotional impact of the verdict on former players and long-term fans. The situation has caused uncertainty and heartbreak for those closely associated with the club.
Richards' experience is not unique, as many fans and former players have been affected by the news. The club's loyal supporters have been left uncertain and worried about the implications of the guilty verdict.
The Premier League's verdict and the club's response have sparked a heated debate about financial fair play and governance in the league. As City prepares to appeal, the football community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Key points
- Micah Richards feels "absolutely devastated" by the Premier League's guilty verdict on Manchester City's financial charges.
- The Premier League found Manchester City guilty of financial rule breaches, including arranging "sham contracts" to disguise secret funding of over £830m.
- Manchester City has until October 2 to submit an appeal against the guilty verdict.
