Michael Ball: Manchester City hope to stay in the Premier League as Haaland could head to Spain

Former Manchester City player Michael Ball said the club hopes to remain in the Premier League despite being found guilty of 114 charges relating to financial breaches, with an independent commission still considering the punishment. The club has maintained its innocence and appealed the ruling.

Possible sanctions, according to the report, include relegation from the league or points deductions over several seasons, as well as a transfer ban. Ball felt that having the results overturned would be the best outcome for City, but considered the team staying in the league an achievement for the club.

Regarding Erling Haaland, Ball said he sees the player's path leading to a new challenge outside England, possibly at Real Madrid or Barcelona, but stressed that the decision is up to the player, who may choose to stay if he is happy in England. Ball also described the idea of having Haaland and Kylian Mbappé in the same team as an entertaining prospect.