BBC editors have removed Enzo Fernandez from the opening sequence of Match of the Day following his departure from Chelsea.
The Argentine midfielder had appeared in the programme’s title montage at the start of the season, filmed in a Chelsea shirt against the backdrop of the show’s theme tune, while speculation linked him with a move to Manchester City.
He subsequently secured a transfer to the Etihad Stadium in a deal worth £125million, matching the British record, ahead of the transfer deadline.
Chelsea had set an initial deadline of August 14 for offers, after which City returned with a renewed approach, leading to negotiations that concluded with an agreed fee.
Following the move, Match of the Day producers have excised the footage of Fernandez in Chelsea colours and replaced it with a clip of former Chelsea player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, now of Everton.
The transfer has placed Fernandez at a club that has been found guilty of all but one of 115 charges brought by the Premier League.
City have denied any wrongdoing and lodged an appeal, with potential sanctions including expulsion from the Premier League, a points deduction and a substantial fine.
City described the ruling as an opinion containing clear material errors of law, principle and fact, and stated that the club is innocent of the accusations and possesses a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence supporting its position.
The Football Association acknowledged the independent commission’s decision, stating that it has significant implications for the integrity of the game.