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Star players leaving, abuse from rivals and ‘am I going to be put out on the street?’: This is what happens when an English sporting super power is found guilty – and what Man City could learn from Saracens’ relegation as they battle the same lawyer

Seven years ago, the barrister fighting the Premier League's corner against Manchester City took down another of English sport's super powers.

By NIK SIMON · Daily Mail

Published: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 1:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Manchester City could face squad turnover and severe fan backlash similar to Saracens' experience following financial breach convictions.
Barrister Adam Lewis KC prosecuted Saracens' salary cap breaches in 2019 and is leading the Premier League's case against Manchester City.
Saracens received a £5.3 million fine and combined 105 points in deductions, leading to relegation to the Championship.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Daily Mail Sport examines what Manchester City could learn from Saracens' 2019-20 salary cap scandal and subsequent relegation, noting both cases involve barrister Adam Lewis KC. The article compares the abuse, uncertainty, and squad disruption Saracens faced to potential outcomes for Manchester City after being found guilty of financial rule breaches.

Former Saracens forward Jackson Wray and former CEO Ed Griffiths detailed how Saracens handled player contracts, loans, and fan hostility after points deductions sent them to the Championship. The report suggests City may face similar dilemmas regarding whether to appeal and how to retain star players if relegated.

Read the full article on Daily Mail