England lost 3-2 to Spain after City players’ errors gifted two goals. BBC sources said City were found guilty of most of 115 financial-rule breaches a day earlier. Thomas Tuchel said players may have discussed the verdict; Harry Kane said England set club football aside.
Marc Guehi was tackled by Lamine Yamal before Spain’s opener, while Nico O’Reilly’s intercepted pass led to Alex Baena’s 2-2 equaliser. Rodri’s late challenge on Jude Bellingham brought England a penalty, but Kane slipped and hit the crossbar. Roy Keane said the City-linked players would have been affected by the verdict.
The allegations concern breaches between 2009 and 2018, including claims that City inflated sponsorship revenue and made off-the-books payments to circumvent financial rules. Sanctions have not been announced; possible repercussions include a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League or a fine. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said he remained confident the club would prove its innocence and that the process had a long way to run. Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice about potential compensation.
