Micah Richards speaks out about Man City’s 114 guilty charges, sharing a heartfelt message.
Micah Richards has finally spoken out after Manchester City was found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules from 2008/09 to 2017/18.
The news came on Friday, September 25, when it was revealed that City was guilty of 114 out of 115 charges after an independent commission’s investigation. The Premier League confirmed this on Tuesday, September 29, saying City used “sham contracts” and “sham agreements” to make their income look bigger and costs smaller.
Several former players have shared their opinions. For example, ex-Manchester United captain and pundit Roy Keane told City players to throw away their medals because, in his view, their success was tainted by cheating.
Now Richards, who was part of the City team that won the 2011/12 Premier League, has finally shared how he feels. He said on The Rest is Football Podcast that he “felt absolutely devastated” when he heard the news.
“The reports were upsetting,” he said. “I saw the words ‘sham contracts’ used by the Premier League, and that hurt a lot. I had been with City since I was 14 and would do anything for the club. I lived my dream there. So hearing this was really tough, not just for me but also for the fans.”
Richards even spoke about a close friend from his academy days who called him in tears, confused and looking for answers that Richards didn’t have. “That friend has supported the club for over 60 years, and the uncertainty is heartbreaking,” he added.
“It’s hard to see headlines like this about a club I love so much. The reports are damaging. I feel sad, angry, and a bit confused because City also has their side of the story.”
He said this situation leaves “no winners.” “If City appeals and wins, some will still doubt them. If they lose after appealing, there will be more problems. It’s not just City fans or players affected – this shakes the whole Premier League. This could go on for a long time.”
Richards played 245 games for City from 2005 to 2015, winning the FA Cup in 2010/11 and the Premier League in 2011/12.
According to the Premier League, City hid funding worth more than £830 million through fake sponsorship deals. The commission said these deals were fake or didn’t reflect the true business.
They also found that some club witnesses gave false or dishonest evidence, and City was guilty of almost all the charges except one about not cooperating.
City has until October 2 to appeal. The club, owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, denies any wrongdoing and says it has strong evidence to prove its innocence.
Possible punishments include losing points, being kicked out or relegated, transfer bans, or even losing the Premier League titles won during the years in question.
In response, Manchester City released a statement saying they are shocked and disappointed by the ruling. They called themselves innocent and promised to fight the charges using all legal means. The club stressed that the process is still ongoing and said they have always respected fair and honest treatment.
They also said they can’t say more until all the steps are finished.
This story is still developing, and further updates will come as things progress.