New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has joked that Manchester City should not be competing in the Premier League, combining football banter with a reference to the club’s 114 financial breaches verdict.
Mamdani, an outspoken Arsenal supporter, made the remark during a press conference while speaking to a journalist who supports Liverpool. The exchange followed Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat by City at Anfield on Sunday.
“How’s it going? How are you as a Liverpool fan right now?” Mamdani asked the reporter with a grin.
He then added: “You got beat by a team that shouldn’t be in the league, but anyway…”
The comment followed a post by Mamdani on X in which he published only the number “114”, a reference to the independent commission’s ruling on Manchester City’s historical financial reporting and compliance.
Manchester City appeal 114-breach ruling
City officials have lodged a formal appeal against the verdict and maintain their innocence while the legal process continues. No punishment has been confirmed.
Possible sanctions have included a substantial points deduction or relegation from the Premier League, although the eventual outcome remains uncertain and will depend on the conclusion of the appeal.
The controversy contributed to a hostile reception for City at Anfield, where Liverpool supporters aimed chants of “Cheats” and “Going down” at the visitors.
Despite the atmosphere, Enzo Maresca’s side secured a 3-0 victory, with Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki scoring after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off.
