Haaland focused on football as father calls Man City FFP punishment 'unfair on players'

Erling Haaland is not concerned by the punishment Manchester City may face following their guilty verdict on 114 Premier League financial rule breaches, according to his father Alfie, who also questioned whether it would be fair to sanction players who had no involvement in the club’s past conduct.

An independent commission found City guilty of 114 of 115 charges relating to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, concluding that the club used “sham” contracts to disguise funding of more than £830 million. The club, now managed by Enzo Maresca, are appealing the verdict and have consistently maintained their innocence. Relegation remains among the potential punishments if the appeal fails.

Speaking to ViaPlay, Alfie Haaland offered a candid account of his son’s mindset. “Erling thinks about playing as much football as he can and concentrates on that,” he said. “I think it’s more those of us outside the pitch who think a bit more about it.”

The elder Haaland acknowledged the gravity of the situation but urged patience. “These are serious allegations, but now there is an appeal case pending to be heard, so I think we have to stay calm, keep our cool, and wait to see how it turns out.”

When asked whether it was unfair to punish current players for financial irregularities that predate most of their time at the club, Alfie was sympathetic. “Yes, in a way, one might feel that having to potentially take punishment for something done many years ago… yes, I would say so.”

On the appeal itself, he said City deserved a fair hearing. “It’s hard for Manchester City to come out right now — with an ongoing appeal — and defend themselves. So we hope they get a fair hearing, and then we’ll see if they manage to prove that they are innocent. I think they’ve done more than well to stand tall through this.”

Erling Haaland has reportedly been helping to keep his teammates calm amid the uncertainty, with Alfie confirming the squad has handled the situation with composure. The outcome of the appeal, which has yet to be scheduled, will determine whether City face any sporting sanction for the breaches.