Could Manchester City's FFP Case Spark New Super League Debate? Danny Mills Cites LIV Golf as a Cautionary Tale

Manchester City’s ongoing Financial Fair Play (FFP) investigation has brought spending controls back into focus. This situation raises the question: could discussions about forming a European Super League resurface? Former City defender Danny Mills shared his thoughts with GOAL, pointing out why such a league remains unlikely and using the recent LIV Golf saga as a warning for football's governing bodies.

Super League Plans and Fan Backlash

In early 2021, it became known that a dozen top clubs intended to create their own competition, aiming to expand to 20 teams eventually. The Premier League’s 'Big Six'—including Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham—were all involved. Fans fiercely opposed this move, forcing the project to collapse. Still, some clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus have not entirely abandoned the idea.

A major hurdle for any breakaway league is that players in those competitions would lose eligibility for international tournaments under UEFA and FIFA. This would complicate player transfers significantly. On the flip side, removing FFP and Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) would let wealthy clubs like City spend freely. Currently, City faces 114 FFP charges and possible severe punishments.

If City decided to defy the Premier League and Football Association, would they consider rejoining Super League talks?

Why Players Would Resist a European Super League

Mills discussed the topic with Gambling.com, explaining: “It’s very, very difficult. I’ve had this conversation many times. For international football, FIFA must approve your competition. Without FIFA’s blessing, players can’t compete internationally.”He added that although club success matters, representing one’s country in World Cups or European Championships carries immense prestige, including lifetime honors like knighthoods.

“Who won the Champions League in 2017 without looking it up? Probably few know. But name the World Cup winners; most can list them. The international game gives players legendary status,” Mills said.

Mills believes the Super League concept lacks staying power. He pointed to attempts by Saudi Arabia and China to build independent leagues, which didn’t succeed. The best players still seek international football.

LIV Golf Highlights Risks of Breakaway Leagues

Other sports have seen breakaway competitions like LIV Golf, which attracted top talent with big money and new formats. Yet, the venture is now facing bankruptcy, scrambling for partners and funding. This shows the grass isn’t always greener.

Mills compared LIV Golf to a possible Super League: “It hasn’t gone well. They found a short-term fix that quickly popped. Sport is about winning and losing fairly. Fans want genuine competition.”

He emphasized that sport thrives on uncertainty and stakes, referencing relegation and promotion systems that keep seasons exciting. Without these, leagues risk losing competitiveness and viewer interest.

Mills noted changes in England’s Championship play-offs, increasing teams to eight to keep competition alive late into the season. He warned that a closed Super League might lose intensity when teams outside the top spots stop caring.

“We watch sport because of jeopardy. We want to see pressure moments and surprises. Remove that, and it becomes dull,” he said.

City Awaits Outcome of FFP Investigation

The final decision on Manchester City's FFP case remains pending as they appeal the initial guilty verdicts. The Premier League and English football face uncertainty over possible expulsion, points deductions, or transfer bans for the club.

This raises questions about the meaning of league positions and trophies if City faces harsh penalties that could strip them of major titles.

Upcoming Fixture

• Match: Manchester City vs. Ipswich
• Competition: Premier League
• Date: 17 October 2026
• Time: 17:00