Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations in 114 of 115 charges, according to reports from Friday. The ruling follows a two-year investigation into alleged violations dating from 2009 to 2018. The club has announced plans to appeal the decision.
The Premier League has not commented on the outcome, with the news first reported by The Athletic. An independent commission began hearing the case in September 2024 after the league charged City in 2023. The accusations include failing to provide accurate financial information, breaching financial sustainability rules, and refusing to cooperate with the investigation.
City’s spokesperson reiterated the club’s denial of the charges, stating the position remains consistent with a February 2023 statement. They emphasized the ongoing nature of the Premier League process and said the club had respected due process for eight years, expecting the league to act as an impartial regulator.
Leaked documents published by German outlet Der Spiegel in 2023 added significant weight to the allegations. The documents contained emails from 2018 that reportedly showed City inflating sponsorship revenues from Abu Dhabi-based companies Etihad Airways and Etisalat by disguising direct investments from Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group as commercial income. Other papers suggested off-the-books payments to former manager Roberto Mancini through consultancy fees from an Abu Dhabi club.
UEFA punished Manchester City in 2020 with a two-year ban from European competitions and a fine for breaching financial fair play rules, but the ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
If the Premier League imposes sanctions, they could include a points deduction or even expulsion from the league. Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for single breaches of profit and sustainability rules during the 2023/24 season, setting a precedent for punishment. Severe penalties would also cast doubt on City’s current squad, including striker Erling Haaland.
The ruling has stirred reactions across football. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted sarcastically about City adding “another Premier League medal to the cabinet,” referring to the possibility of titles being stripped. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham advised caution, telling ITV Granada Reports that conclusions should await a detailed study of the independent commission’s report.
Rodri, who left City for Barcelona last month, expressed faith in the justice system and maintained belief in City’s innocence.
Under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership since 2008, Manchester City have won eight Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and multiple other competitions. The case’s timing coincides with Pep Guardiola’s recent departure after a decade in charge. Guardiola supported the club’s stance on the charges but warned he would leave if any dishonesty was proven.
City currently top the Premier League under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach has overseen a squad reinforced by around £460 million in new signings, including Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Premier League’s final decision on sanctions has yet to be announced, with Manchester City preparing to challenge the ruling through an appeal.
According to Yahoo Sports.