Manchester City's Champions League ban could have big long-term consequences for the club. While missing out on European football's premier club competition for a couple of years will sting, the real downside could be the effects it has on their finances going forward.
A huge chunk of their income will now be wiped out, meaning some financial gymnastics could required to balance the books. We may see some players leave as a result.
Those who do stay could be set out to miss out on some big money.
Belgian outlet HLN are reporting that Kevin De Bruyne would miss out on around €3million if his team are banned from the competition for the next two seasons. The player, who signed a new deal in January of 2018, had a clause inserted into the contract which would see him earn €1.5million each season should his team reach the Champions League.
While this in itself may not be a reason for players to leave, some have speculated if they will hang around for while the club serves the ban. Two years is quite a long time in football, and with players moving to the club in order to compete at the highest level, they may see two years out of the Champions League as too long to hang around.
Meanwhile, according to The Athletic, Pep Guardiola says he will stick with the club regardless of any punishments handed down, including the possibility of relegation to League Two, telling his players:
Now, more than ever, we have to show them that we are not money, we are talent.
