So David Ornstein says Manchester City players don't have relegation clauses. Like, none. Nada. Zip. And apparently the topic never even came up when they signed or renewed contracts. That's... something. I get that City are a superclub, but you'd think with the 115 charges hanging over them, someone might have thought, 'Hey, what if we get relegated?' Maybe that's just me. Or maybe agents and players are burying their heads in the sand. Either way, it's a wild story.
Is this bad practice or just big-club arrogance?
Look, I understand why a club like City wouldn't bother with relegation clauses. They're not planning to go down. But when you're facing 115 charges and a possible points deduction or expulsion, you'd think there'd be some contingency planning. The fact that it was never discussed? That's either supreme confidence or staggering negligence. I lean towards the latter. Agents are supposed to protect their players. If City get relegated and players are stuck on Premier League wages in the Championship, that's a financial disaster for the club. But for the players? They might just sue. One commenter said, 'If I'm a player and the club is relegated because they cheated, I'm suing.' And honestly, they might have a case. But most relegation clauses are paycuts, not exit deals. So even if they had them, players would just take a wage hit. But no clauses at all? That's rare.
What happens if City get expelled?
Some fans think it won't matter because City will be expelled from the Premier League and the Football League altogether. That's a bit extreme, but who knows? If that happens, contracts might be void anyway. But I doubt it'll come to that. More likely, they get a points deduction and maybe relegation. In that case, no relegation clauses means players keep their fat salaries. That could cripple the club financially. But maybe the owners are rich enough to absorb it. Still, it's a risk. And it makes you wonder: why didn't anyone think of this? Were they just that arrogant? Or did they know something we don't?
Should we feel sorry for City fans?
I saw a comment: 'In a way I feel for the city fans. They'll not have a club soon.' That's harsh. City fans have been through the wringer before, but this is different. If the club gets relegated or expelled, they might be staring at a future in the lower leagues. But let's be real: they've had a hell of a ride. Three Premier League titles in a row, a treble, etc. If it all comes crashing down, at least they have the memories. But I do feel for the ones who are genuinely worried. It's not their fault the club allegedly cheated. Still, they've been loud and proud. If the worst happens, they'll stick with their club. That's what real fans do.
What about the players? Are they to blame?
Not really. Players sign contracts in good faith. If the club tells them there's no need for a relegation clause, they'll believe them. But agents should know better. Maybe they did ask and were told to piss off. Or maybe they just didn't care because they're getting paid either way. I don't blame the players for not having clauses. I blame the club for not insisting on them. If I'm a player and I'm about to sign for a club under investigation, I'd want some protection. But maybe City players are just that confident. Or maybe they're just not thinking about it. Either way, it's a story that won't go away.
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