Former Manchester City star Micah Richards believes his former club will benefit from the fact that their transfer ban has been voided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Cityzens were banned from participating in European competitions for the next two seasons after UEFA claimed that they had breached the FFP guidelines.
However, the Cityzens appealed against the punishment at the Court of Arbitration of Sport and the verdict came in their favour earlier this week. Speaking to Sky Sports, Richards said that the Cityzens will breathe a sigh of relief following the court decision and they can now focus on extending the contracts of the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and manager Pep Guardiola.
He told: “It’s good news. I don’t want to be biased but with Man City they always pleaded their innocence from day one and it’s good to see it come to a conclusion after it hanging over them for so long. Two years would have been so damaging. Pep Guardiola’s contract is up at the end of next season, Kevin De Bruyne is in the form of his life – the players in that side want to play Champions League football. It’s good it’s over with. From a players’ point of view, it’s difficult not knowing if you would be in it so to put it to bed is brilliant.”
The Mancunian giants faced the potential prospect of players heading through the exit door this summer, suppose they were banned from participating in the Champions League next term. However, that is no longer the case for the club and they can now focus on ending the season on a high by winning more trophies. The Cityzens have already lifted the League Cup this term. They are still alive in the FA Cup and Champions League. Guardiola’s side are scheduled to face Arsenal in the semi-final stage of the FA Cup this weekend.
