What does a guilty verdict mean for Manchester City's squad?

The general train of thought is that any drop down the leagues for Manchester City will result in a mass exodus of talent. That players will, at the very least, consider their futures at Etihad Stadium in the event of demotion would be entirely understandable. The squad is brimming with international talent, many of whose profiles and personal sponsorship agreements benefit immensely from plying their trade in the Premier League. The reaction from current members of the City squad varies depending on who you speak to within the footballing world.

From conversations BBC Sport has had with sources close to the first team, there is certainly a significant level of concern as to how the players will be affected by the unfolding situation. Given the scathing tone of the Premier League's statement, there is major scepticism from people close to the players that forthcoming appeals will earn the club any reprieve. However, there are others inside the club ecosystem who absolutely believe in City executives Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Ferran Soriano's steadfast vows to prove the club's innocence.

For those players who decide they simply do not want to drop down the divisions, should it ultimately come to that, the practical process of leaving is highly unlikely to be straightforward. Firstly, there are complex issues surrounding contracts and official player registrations. City, regardless of each individual player's view on whether they want to depart, retain the legal right to demand substantial transfer fees. Given how much those elite players are worth in terms of wages and their general market value, you would imagine City are unlikely to accept being heavily undercut in negotiations.

That, as BBC Sport understands, the majority of players do not have relegation clauses inserted into their contracts also heavily plays into the club's hands. But it is also understood that as a general rule, the players' contracts are fully guaranteed, meaning they would not be legally required to take percentage pay cuts if the club loses its top-flight status. Maintaining one of the highest wage bills in the world, however, will become considerably harder without Premier League-level income.

With that financial reality in mind, City deciding to keep the squad completely intact should they move down the leagues appears highly unlikely. How amenable City are to selling players will ultimately be dependent on how bullish they are about their legal defense. They still hold strong control of the situation regardless of how unsettled their players may feel. It is unlikely the club will simply roll over and let disillusioned stars depart without suitable offers because they retain the financial power to weather the storm.

Players will have massive decisions to make too, extending far beyond simply leaving the club. City are renowned as huge payers, and other prospective buying clubs may not be willing or able to meet similar wage demands. In terms of potential contract renewals, the current uncertainty over what sanctions will eventually be meted out provides a major element of risk for both sides. Any deals including exit strategies would need careful negotiation as new contracts.

Players will likely want to wait for absolute clarity on the final sanctions before entering into any contract discussions, adding a significant layer of difficulty for the club's management. Thankfully for City, the situation remains fluid, but the underlying challenges facing the squad are profound.