Alfie Haaland, 53, has finally spoken about Manchester City's financial breach verdict handed down in September and the possible penalties, including a drop to the Championship.
When asked about his reaction, Haaland told Viaplay: "Well, it has been circulating for quite a while, hasn't it? So finally something came that was concrete, which it is possible to fight against for City as a club. Obviously, these are serious allegations, but now there is an appeal case pending to be heard, so I think we have to stay calm, keep our cool, and wait to see how it turns out."
Regarding his son's view, Haaland said Erling is simply concentrating on playing as much football as possible, adding that "more those of us outside the pitch think a bit more about it."
Erling's recent form, nine goals in nine league games, suggests he remains unfazed, though both father and son admit they know no more than what is reported in the media.
"Nothing more than what's in the media. And there is an awful lot written there, and very one-sided, I would say, right? Because it's hard for Manchester City to come out right now - with an ongoing appeal - and defend themselves. So we hope they get a fair hearing, and then we'll see if they manage to prove that they are innocent, eventually," Haaland explained.
The former City player, who made 38 league appearances between 2000 and 2003, praised the current squad's composure, saying they have handled the accusations well and should remember the alleged breaches occurred years ago, unrelated to today's players.
He acknowledged the unfairness of punishing current stars for past actions, noting, "Yes, in a way, one might feel that having to potentially take punishment for something done many years ago... yes, I would say so."
When pressed about the threat of relegation, Haaland dismissed comparisons to Juventus's 2006 drop to Serie B, stating the appeal will determine the outcome and that City believes they have strong evidence to prove innocence.
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Timeline: What happens next?
- December 25 – Deadline for appeal to conclude (12 weeks after appeal is lodged)
- December 14-18 – Possible date for maximum five-day appeal hearing
- January 17 – Deadline for commission to produce final verdict
