An independent Commission has found Manchester City guilty of all charges related to significant violations of the Premier League’s financial regulations spanning from the 2009-10 season to the 2017-18 season, as reported by the league.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Premier League confirmed that City was deemed guilty not only for serious financial violations but also for largely failing to cooperate with the league’s investigation.
Following extensive speculation about the verdict last Friday, City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, expressed confidence in the club’s ability to prove its innocence.
Manchester City has until October 2 to appeal the decision and has indicated plans to do so through a strong statement issued after the ruling.
The statement read: “Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the Premier League Commission’s findings. The club maintains its innocence regarding the allegations, supported by a substantial body of undeniable evidence concerning its stance on this matter. Therefore, the club is committed to being proactive and relentless in pursuing all suitable regulatory and legal avenues.”
It further noted, “The Premier League’s processes are ongoing, with several significant aspects yet to be finalized. Manchester City FC will actively seek to appeal based on the opinion’s evident legal, principled, and factual errors, deeming it unsafe. For eight years, the club has adhered to due process, trusting that the Premier League Board and Executive would act as impartial regulators, free from bias. The club is limited in what it can communicate until all upcoming proceedings are concluded.”
Club statement.
https://t.co/yrJ8Z0A52Y pic.twitter.com/0NP2k33JT9
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 29, 2026
The Commission ruled that, during the nine-season period, among various breaches, City engaged in “sham” contracts that misrepresented actual agreements with several commercial partners, using “sham” agreements with others to artificially inflate the club’s revenue and reduce expenses.
It was also stated that “Manchester City was significantly in breach of financial limits set by both the Premier League and UEFA.”
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters commented on the situation in the league’s statement, indicating that the matter of sanctions would be addressed later.
“The core decision clarifies the events that transpired at Manchester City during this timeframe,” said Masters. “It illustrates how the club systematically violated Premier League rules for nearly ten years. This also validates the Premier League’s decision to instigate this case against Manchester City. Although the process has been protracted and challenging, the league has remained committed to establishing the facts independently.”
“It is essential for the Premier League to uphold the Rules, as approved by the clubs themselves, to maintain the integrity of the competition. The league’s competitive fairness is crucial for all clubs and their fans, and we take this responsibility very seriously.”
“This disciplinary case and its outcome are unprecedented in Premier League history. Some aspects of the case still require resolution, including what penalties will accompany these violations. With the Commission’s decision in hand, we are dedicated to rapidly advancing through the next stages of the process to provide clarity for the league, clubs, and fans.”
The Premier League also expressed its intention to expedite the next phases of this process, emphasizing that “the club has the right to appeal the Commission’s findings and has until Friday, October 2, to exercise that right. The Premier League Board aims to conclude the entire process (including any appeals and the publication of related decisions) as swiftly as possible.”
Fan Take: This news carries significant implications for soccer fans, as it raises critical questions about financial fairness and integrity in the sport. If Manchester City’s guilt is upheld, it could set a precedent that affects spending practices across the league, ensuring a more level playing field for all teams.
Source: www.soccernews.com
