Manchester City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules by £900 million

Manchester City have been found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations by an independent Commission. The Commission's investigation revealed that between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, the club engaged in a scheme involving 'sham' contracts with commercial partners to inflate revenues and reduce costs by over £900 million. Additionally, the club concealed its true financial state from auditors and regulators, breaching both Premier League and UEFA spending limits.

The independent Commission concluded that Manchester City did not cooperate with the Premier League during the investigation, with three out of four alleged breaches upheld. The Premier League has stated that the charges encompass more than 100 breaches of its regulations. The Commission's report indicated that only a portion of sponsorship fees was paid by commercial partners, with the remainder funded by Abu Dhabi United Group Investment and Development Ltd, the club's owner.

The Premier League will address potential sanctions in a separate hearing, which remains confidential until the outcome is permitted for publication. Possible penalties could include points deductions, fines, transfer bans, or even expulsion from the league. The Premier League aims to conclude this process swiftly to provide clarity for all clubs and fans regarding the situation.

In response to the ruling, Manchester City expressed disappointment and surprise, asserting their innocence and claiming to possess irrefutable evidence supporting their position. The club plans to appeal the decision, citing material errors in law and fact. They have emphasised their commitment to pursuing all available regulatory and legal avenues while maintaining that the Premier League's process should be impartial and fair-minded.

The independent Commission acknowledged the lengthy duration of the proceedings, stating that the hearing took place between September and December 2024. The panel had access to extensive documentation and evidence, amounting to over 7,000 pages, during their deliberations. This case is being regarded as one of the most significant disciplinary matters in Premier League history.

via Sky Sports