Lahm says City’s alleged rule-breaking risks football’s community roots

Philipp Lahm argues that Manchester City’s achievements under Pep Guardiola can be admired while the club is still held accountable for alleged financial rule-breaking. He says enforcing the rules matters because football’s credibility and connection to its communities depend on fair competition.

City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations from 2009 to 2018; the article says they allegedly invested almost €1bn more than permitted and declared. The club denies wrongdoing and is appealing, while possible penalties include forced relegation or titles being stripped. Lahm points to Germany’s 50+1 ownership rule, which keeps majority voting rights with club members, as a way to protect fan participation and football’s grassroots.