How capitalist self-interest took football’s soul

Football is now primarily driven by greed, coming right down from the top. As Miguel Delaney outlines that is the one thing that has trickled down the pyramid, even if the money hasn’t

Manchester City have been banned from the Champions League (Getty)

Amid the ructions of the last few days, one particular narrative has emerged, that deserves significant scrutiny. Sources close to Manchester City have attempted to spin the idea that they have effectively been punished by a process that has been conditioned by a cabal of old-money clubs.

It’s a curious perspective when City have themselves been only too willing to be part of the cabal in other ways. Football Leaks showed they have been involved in discussions for a European super league, a threat has used by the big clubs to leverage almost every discussion in the game towards them. Club officials – particularly CEO Ferran Soriano – have meanwhile led the charge as regards motions to increase resource distribution towards the biggest and wealthiest clubs.

All of this does prove one thing, that is central to the City Financial Fair Play story and its wider context.