In the 2014 League Cup final, Sunderland led Manchester City 1-0 at halftime before City equalized with a goal from Yaya Touré and eventually won 3-1. Recent findings from an independent commission revealed that at the time, City was involved in a calculated act of cheating. Reports indicated that Touré's payment was disguised through a dual contract structure, with some payments documented as part of a consultancy agreement rather than an employment contract.
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Had Sunderland triumphed, they not only would have secured a trophy after 41 years but also qualified for the Europa League. The increased exposure from European competition could potentially have altered Sunderland's league standing in subsequent seasons.
Fans of other clubs that lost to City, like Liverpool and Arsenal, might feel similarly cheated by the outcomes of finals since 2009, a sentiment echoed by supporters of Manchester United, who finished behind City in the Premier League in various seasons. While the question of whether to strip City of their titles is complex, many, including fans of rival clubs, may feel that the integrity of the sport demands such consequences.
The notion of awarding league titles to other teams, based on City’s unfair advantages, raises questions about the integrity of the league itself. For instance, during the 2017-18 season, City secured the title early, causing competing clubs to shift focus and pursue other competitions.
Though City’s players worked hard to achieve their victories, the ease provided by financial advantages complicates the narrative. The independent commission concluded that City’s success was based on disguised funding methods, contravening league regulations.
While the memories of their triumphs remain, it is ultimately up to City’s fans and players to reconcile these with the reality of their achievements. As discussions of erasing titles gain traction, there's a strong argument for leaving the records blank where dishonor resides. The empty spaces in the roll of honor can serve as a reminder of the challenges posed by financial misconduct in football and mark the moment when the Premier League prioritized fairness over profit.