Tuchel would consider England players outside top flight

BBC Sport reports that an independent commission found City guilty on a majority of the 115 Premier League charges brought against the club. The case concerns breaches of financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. City has repeatedly denied guilt. The sanctions remain unclear, and BBC Sport expects the club to appeal. [1]

For the squad, a guilty finding does not mean players can immediately leave. BBC Sport says most City players do not have relegation clauses and that, as a general rule, their pay is guaranteed even if the club loses its top-flight place. City could still demand transfer fees. Players reportedly have release clauses if the club enters administration, which is a separate possibility from relegation. [1]

BBC Sport says sources close to the first team have described significant concern about how players could be affected, while others retain confidence in club executives’ promises to prove City’s innocence. Several agents expect players to wait for clarity on sanctions before considering contract renewals. [1]

The uncertainty could also affect recruitment. BBC Sport reports that other clubs are exploring moves for City academy players, though it has not reported any resulting transfers. [1]

Update

Asked about the possibility of Manchester City being relegated, England manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday, 2 October, that he would not rule out selecting players outside their country’s top division. He said he would choose the best team for each occasion and assess players case by case. [2]

An independent commission has found City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. The club denies guilt and has appealed. Any sanction has yet to be decided. [2]