The writer, a Manchester City supporter, argues that the club may finally be facing consequences for alleged financial wrongdoing after years of legal challenges. They accept that City may be “bang to rights”, while warning that potential sanctions could include relegation and the removal of trophies, profoundly affecting the club’s recent success.

City face more than 100 charges relating to allegedly inaccurate financial reporting, concealed salaries and bonuses, inflated sponsorship income, and failure to co-operate with investigators. A 60-point deduction has been suggested as one possible punishment, while the club could also lose eight trophies won between 2009-10 and 2017-18, including three Premier League titles and the 100-point campaign; City intends to appeal.