Arsenal legend Paul Merson has called for Manchester City to be stripped of the major trophies they won during the period covered by the Premier League’s financial investigation.
An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons.
The commission found that City used “sham” commercial agreements as part of a disguised funding scheme.
It concluded that the arrangements artificially inflated the club’s revenues and reduced its costs by more than £900 million.
Manchester City have denied the findings and confirmed that they will appeal.
The club has until Friday, October 2, to lodge its appeal.
The verdict has sparked debate over whether City’s trophies from the affected period should be removed.
Merson believes the titles should be wiped from the record rather than handing them to the teams that finished behind City.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England international said:
“First of all, take all their trophies away. I think that’s the first thing.”
Merson explained that the historical record could be affected for generations if the trophies remain.
“I’m not saying to go and give those titles to whoever finished second because I think that’s a real kick in the teeth in itself,” he added.
“But I think that’s got to be wiped.”
City won three EPL titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and one Community Shield during the period.
However, no decision has been made to strip Manchester City of those trophies.
The Premier League has confirmed that the issue of sanctions will be dealt with at a separate hearing involving the independent commission.
Possible punishments include points deductions, fines, transfer restrictions and expulsion from the Premier League.
Any decision concerning City’s titles would therefore come later in the disciplinary process.
Merson’s comments have added to the debate surrounding what punishment Manchester City should face following the commission’s findings.
