What If... Man City hadn't 'systematically broken' the rules?

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosted by Emma Paton with guests Tim Spiers, Jack Pitt-Brooke, and Dan Kilpatrick, the team delves into the hypothetical ramifications had Manchester City obeyed the rules regarding financial fair play. They explore alternative timelines, particularly regarding how the Premier League would look without City's heavy spending.

The discussion centers on various aspects: what if City had played by the rules, how that might have changed the landscape of the Premier League, and what clubs might have benefited from the titles and successes that City acquired through alleged financial doping. The podcast reviews City's significant financial measures from 2009-2018 that were aimed at circumventing spending rules, leading to a considerable disparity in spending compared to rivals like Chelsea and Barcelona.

They share insights on the dominance City displayed during this period, winning numerous Premier League titles and a Champions League. An examination of clubs like Aston Villa, Spurs, and their likelihood of success emerges if they hadn't been overshadowed by City. They also speculate on potential punishments for City, including the possibilities of title stripping and relegation, emphasizing their belief that any such punishment should reflect the severe financial misconduct they've been accused of. The podcast concludes with musings on how City legends like Aguero and De Bruyne would have fared in an alternate reality without City's financial advantage, and what changes might occur moving forward for the club.