Former Fluminense midfielder Felipe Melo has jokingly called for Manchester City to lose their 2023 Club World Cup title following the club's guilty verdict on financial misconduct. He claims the trophy should go to his former side.
“Manchester City should lose everything. Give me my Club World Cup! I will be roaming around Rio — through Copacabana and Barra da Tijuca — with the trophy. World club champions! Strip them of it all,” said Melo in an interview with Argentine outlet Ole, reminiscing about Fluminense's 4-0 defeat to City in the tournament final held in Saudi Arabia.
This cheeky statement comes amid expectations of official sanctions for Manchester City after an independent commission found the club guilty of serious financial rule violations between 2009 and 2018. There are concerns that the punishment may not only affect domestic titles but also their international achievements.
