Micah Richards has described the findings against Manchester City in the Premier League financial case as “absolutely devastating”, saying the controversy has been especially painful because of his lifelong connection with the club.
An independent commission found City guilty of serious financial breaches over nine seasons between 2009/10 and 2017/18. The Premier League said the club used “sham” arrangements to inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than £900 million.
Three of four charges relating to cooperation with the league were also upheld. Manchester City deny wrongdoing and intend to appeal the commission’s conclusions.
Micah Richards on Manchester City financial findings
Richards, who joined City at the age of 14 and went on to help the club win the 2011/12 Premier League title, said he had struggled to process the ruling.
“The reports were troubling. I saw the words which were used by the Premier League in sham contracts and I felt absolutely devastated,” he said on The Rest is Football.
“I’ve been at that club since I was 14 years old, I would die for that club. I achieved my dream at Manchester City, but then to hear these reports, and not only me as an ex-player, but the fans, what they have to go through, absolutely devastating.”
Richards said the allegations had left him feeling “saddened”, “angry” and “a little bit confused” because City had presented a different account of the case.
“To have a headline of this nature for a club that I love so much, it’s been difficult,” he added. “If you listen to the reports, they are damning.”
The Premier League said the commission found that City had submitted misstated accounts, concealed the true state of their finances from auditors and regulators, and significantly breached domestic and UEFA spending limits.
Richards warned that the appeal process could leave the club facing continued uncertainty, regardless of the outcome.
“There are no winners in this,” he said. “If Man City do the appeal and they get off, it’s still going to be tarnished. And, if they’re found guilty after the appeal, what happens then?”
“And it’s not just Man City fans or Man City players, it’s the whole of the Premier League comes into question. This could be something that goes on for years and years and years.”
The former City defender’s reaction reflects the personal impact of a case that could influence how the club’s most successful period is viewed. Any final judgement remains subject to the appeal, but Richards believes the controversy will continue to affect the club and the wider Premier League.
