OT: Man City banned from Champions League for two years for violations of FIFA Fair Play
This is like Clemson being banned from the CFP for the next two years. Crazy that UEFA went this far. If only the NCAA could display the same level of cajones.
February 14th, 2020 at 2:41 PM ^
Soccer: a gentleman’s game played by hooligans.
Rugby: a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen.
February 15th, 2020 at 12:00 AM ^
You should look into what Saracens did and their punishment.
Very similar, not so similar punishment.
February 14th, 2020 at 2:46 PM ^
Until they appeal it and end up getting a slap on the wrist.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:01 PM ^
I can’t imagine the two year ban sticks. They’ll appeal, play in UCL until a decision is made and end up with just a big fine or something. Would love for this to mean a UCL place goes to 5th place in the Prem this year as Wolves could snag it, but I won’t get my hopes up
February 14th, 2020 at 3:03 PM ^
United fan here and damn are you guys tough to beat. I don't think we have beat you since you came up. Really like the way Jimenez, Jota, and Traore play.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:20 PM ^
It’s night and day from just a few years ago. Obviously the influx of money helps, but I think the biggest factor has been everybody in the club being on the same page. Front office, player recruitment, manager, trainers etc. Just wild to be challenging for a top 5 place after being in League One in 2013-14.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:26 PM ^
I know you're being complimentary, so I hate to bring in the stick (not really), but Man U has had a problem with beating a lot of teams this year.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:09 PM ^
Definitely hoping this means Wolves makes it to the CL. If only because I love that logo and would love to see them be able to hold on to Traore for at least one more year.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:22 PM ^
He will leave if he keeps developing, but it shows what Wolves can do for players. Since Fosun took over, we’ve had far more hits than misses in recruiting and development.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:08 PM ^
Even if reduced to one year, Pep is likely to leave to Barca or Juve, they will likely lose a few of their top players (not including the losses of Fernandinho and Silva), and won't attract any top talent for at least another year.
I think the current penalty is kind of harsh, but I can't see them getting away with just a slap on the wrist.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:31 PM ^
I wonder how long this process takes, because if they finish the season and MC is in a UCL spot, that means that #5 is in, and #6 heads to Europa...
February 14th, 2020 at 4:11 PM ^
Man City probably just forgot to deliver that packet of £100 notes to the FIFA officials.
February 14th, 2020 at 2:52 PM ^
Go USA!
February 14th, 2020 at 3:14 PM ^
Dear MLB, NCAA: please take notes.
February 14th, 2020 at 4:12 PM ^
Too late now, that ship sailed when they failed to give Penn State the death penalty.
February 14th, 2020 at 5:47 PM ^
The bottom of the barrel has definitely been reached when a recommendation is made to look to international soccer governing bodies for tips on behaving ethically.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:17 PM ^
Don't know who Man City is, but good! Fuck em'!
February 14th, 2020 at 4:13 PM ^
Just north of Woman City up the M1.
February 14th, 2020 at 6:14 PM ^
Upvoted as someone who
A) is a Goons supporter (it’s like being a Red Wings fan) and
B) has spent some time in Manchester .... and in M1 traffic ... on my way from Manchester to Leicester then to Birmingham and Brighton ...
February 15th, 2020 at 3:37 PM ^
The traffic on Woodward Ave is really not that bad.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:21 PM ^
As a Chelsea supporter I'll take it--though I have no idea what Man City did.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:25 PM ^
Owner funneled his money through sponsorships including his own airline to the club. Violates fifa fair play rules.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:27 PM ^
AKA - same thing Chelsea is doing, just on a slightly less, in your face sort of way.
February 14th, 2020 at 5:53 PM ^
Yea and no oil money
February 14th, 2020 at 3:24 PM ^
Given that Newcastle United are reportedly (I know, I know) being courted by Middle East money, this makes me sad. Otherwise, this is great! Now on to Cheslea, PSG, Man U, and the host of other clubs spending more than mine.
February 14th, 2020 at 4:49 PM ^
Glazers since taking over has taken 1 billion out of Man U. They're too cheap to be doing any wrong doing. Apparently parliament is going after the Glazers for it.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:39 PM ^
Kloppo doesn't need money!! YNWA
February 14th, 2020 at 3:43 PM ^
That's because my team keeps selling you the best player in the world at his position for half-price.
February 14th, 2020 at 3:46 PM ^
As an Arsenal fan, good! Fuck City. Also Fuck Man U. Fuck Liverpool. Fuck all y'all.
February 14th, 2020 at 5:52 PM ^
Ah yes, the rage one feels when your team sucks so bad that all you have left is an F-bomb.
February 14th, 2020 at 5:55 PM ^
As a Chelsea fan, I'm glad I didn't get a fuck you from you!
February 14th, 2020 at 3:49 PM ^
That's crazy. I wonder what the other cricket teams think about this.
February 14th, 2020 at 4:14 PM ^
At least you need an opposable thumb to play cricket.
February 14th, 2020 at 4:06 PM ^
I only have a surface level understanding of soccer, but isn't the phrase "FIFA Fair Play" an oxymoron?
February 14th, 2020 at 4:07 PM ^
It's more like Oklahoma. Man City has a gigantic budget but has not gotten over the hump in Champions' League play.
February 14th, 2020 at 4:58 PM ^
As a Liverpool fan, I'm celebrating vindictively.
I've waited 30 years - roughly twice as long as Michigan Football's Big Ten Championship drought - to see Liverpool win the EPL.
In retrospect, we had a title stolen from us last season. (Tangent: F you Vincent Kompany for your wonder strike against Leicester City. Great goal but f off.) That said, last year's heartbreak molded the relentless machine that is 2019-2020 Liverpool. We're now in contention for a second/superior edition of the Invincibles plus the Centurion. We can also win the FA Cup and repeat as UEFA Champions League winners.
We have arguably the best manager in the world and, therefore, we should try to win everything as many times as possible while the costs are still manageable.
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But I'll know the destruction of Manchester City is complete IF Guardiola leaves after this season and/or Liverpool can somehow get KdB to Anfield. He's a cheat code. He would make our team unreal.
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Btw, contrast UEFA's 2 year ban of Man City with MLB's pathetic "punishment" of the Houston Asterisks.
February 14th, 2020 at 7:17 PM ^
As a Sunderland fan...eh, I guess this doesn't affect me one way or the other. Hopefully we see you all in the Premier League again someday.
February 15th, 2020 at 12:24 AM ^
I'd like to call bullshit on this trumped up UEFA nonsense.
Man City will appeal this UEFA initiated, UEFA leaked and UEFA adjudicated witch hunt.
They will not be vindicated but receive a slap on the wrist.