Manchester City have been found guilty of almost all the charges relating to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, according to sources briefed on the matter.
The independent commission reportedly found City guilty on 114 of the 115 charges after a lengthy investigation into the club’s finances between 2009 and 2018. The charges were formally brought in February 2023 following a four-year investigation, with sanctions yet to be determined and City expected to appeal.
In an interview with The Athletic, one City’s spoke person had said:
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.
The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
City’s Previous UEFA Battle
The case dates back to an investigation into alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, which followed the publication of leaked City financial documents by German newspaper Der Spiegel in November 2018.
The Premier League accused City of failing to provide accurate financial information concerning revenue, payments to players and coaches, as well as alleged breaches of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations and the league’s profitability and sustainability rules.
City have consistently denied the allegations.
The club previously faced UEFA punishment following the same leaked documents. In February 2020, UEFA imposed a two-year ban from its competitions and a €30 million fine. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the ban five months later, ruling that the alleged FFP breaches had either not been established or were time-barred.
CAS did, however, find City guilty of failing to cooperate with UEFA by not providing substantial amounts of evidence. The court described the breach as “severe” and imposed an £8.8 million fine.
What Punishment Could City Face?
With the Premier League verdict reportedly established, attention now turns to the potential punishment.
Under Rule W.51 of the Premier League handbook, the available sanctions range from a reprimand and financial penalties to points deductions and, in the most severe scenario, expulsion from the Premier League.
A points deduction could potentially be imposed either when the final decision is made or retrospectively. That creates the possibility of consequences affecting previous seasons, including the potential stripping of titles, depending on the commission’s eventual ruling.
However, no sanction has yet been announced, and City are expected to challenge the outcome through the appeal process.
The significance of the case is heightened by what City have achieved since Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group completed its takeover in 2008. The club have won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups and one Champions League, with six of those major honours arriving after the Premier League charges were brought.
City Turn Attention to Liverpool
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the case, City’s immediate attention will return to football after the international break.
Enzo Maresca’s side will face Liverpool on 11 October, with the Premier League fixture scheduled at Anfield.
The meeting will provide City with an opportunity to temporarily put the developing financial case to one side and concentrate on their title campaign, although the looming prospect of sanctions will continue to surround the club throughout the season.
Get live updates on this fixture here on TS Sports.
Comments are moderated before appearing.