Might Manchester City punishment push them into forming a global super league?

What if the severe punishment handed to Manchester City forces their ownership to reject the Premier League and establish a global super league, wonders Ed Warner. Before delving into this scenario, it is necessary to acknowledge that Manchester City finds themselves at a precarious position both in terms of their performance and financial standing.

They are cornered by the extensive network of Premier League lawyers and the prevailing public opinion. Despite these challenges, the club's leaders remain resolute in their determination to contest against the commission's verdict, which alleges that they have repeatedly violated the competition's rules over the past decade. However, the club continues to deny any wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision imminently.

Chief Executive Ferran Soriano asserts that the entire Premier League case against them is built on a single false accusation. With this backdrop, let us ponder the potential consequences of such a sanction. What if the appeal fails and Manchester City is subjected to penalties? Can their owners truly be forced to accept the punishment or might they decide to abandon the English football establishment, akin to Groucho Marx's famous refusal to join a club that would have him as a member?

Could this mark the demise of the Citizens within the English football hierarchy and pave the way for the emergence of a franchised global super league? If a redistribution of the league and cup trophies won by Manchester City from 2009 to 2018 were to occur, the symbolism behind it would likely appeal to the group of individuals who have been relentlessly pursuing the case against the club.

However, the newfound victors might find their triumphs hollow, devoid of the same euphoria experienced during their original victories. In essence, winning silverware without the jubilant confetti guns could prove to be an exquisite form of punishment in itself. The financial repercussions of the independent commission's findings could be substantial, amounting to billions of pounds in compensation to those who believe they have been wronged.

These payments, whether large or small, would undoubtedly inflict pain on numerous individuals and entities. A recent encounter with an executive from a lower-division club further emphasizes the far-reaching impact of the case. This individual expressed that in an alternate universe, he might have fared a bit better financially had Manchester City operated differently.

While this anecdote may seem trivial, it serves as a reminder of the countless indirect consequences stemming from the ongoing legal battle. Naturally, sporting penalties would capture the attention of most football fans. The prospect of Manchester City facing relegation from the Premier League, either directly or through a significant points deduction, is undoubtedly a possibility.

Could the English Football League (EFL) sanction them with relegation for the current season? Would the EFL cooperate in such an action? Might the Premier League consider imposing points sanctions for future seasons, potentially condemning the club to an oscillating existence between the top two divisions? These are questions that remain to be answered and would depend on the feasibility and desirability of such measures.

The possibility of Manchester City being expelled from the Premier League has also been raised. Would this mean their banishment for eternity, or would their relegation be confined to a single season, with the remaining fixtures remaining uncertain? If the club's appeal takes several weeks to be heard and the verdict is privately deliberated, the announcement of the outcome could be delayed until the end of the season, causing potential disruptions to the league's schedule.

Despite the challenges, Manchester City's owners might be inclined to endure the associated backlash, rather than remain confined within the English football pyramid. Imagine a scenario where Manchester City is effectively expelled from the English football system, with Etihad Stadium available for alternative fixtures, sporting events, and entertainments.

This would undoubtedly alienate the club's global fanbase, which primarily resides outside of England. The allure of a global football spectacle could be too enticing for these supporters to ignore. The leaders of established football powerhouses, such as Real Madrid and Juventus, who have previously advocated for the failed European Super League, could be approached first.

Subsequently, other prominent clubs like Inter Miami, Flamengo, and Boca Juniors might be enticed to join the fray. The idea of starting with an invitational tournament and proposing an NFL-style closed franchise structure with substantial financial rewards could potentially capture the attention of interested parties. While the European Super League's failure might suggest that the current football ecosystem is resistant to change, one should not rule out the possibility of alternative pathways emerging.

At this juncture, any outcome, regardless of how outlandish and seemingly remote it may appear, should be deemed conceivable. As the author aptly concludes, any scenario, no matter how improbable, should be considered a plausible option in this uncharted territory.