City faces potential criminal fraud charges as Premier League probe deepens

Manchester City may soon confront criminal proceedings after the Premier League’s independent commission found the club guilty of financial rule breaches, prompting police, tax and revenue authorities to consider fraud investigations, the British Sun reports.

Commission findings on financial misconduct

The independent commission concluded that City disguised contracts to conceal their true terms, inflating revenue and reducing costs. It also said the club supplied incorrect financial information and hid the real state of its accounts from auditors and regulators.

In total, the investigation identified 130 accusations, with the club found guilty of 114 of the 115 original charges. The infractions span financial disclosures, remuneration of coaches and players, UEFA licensing rules, Premier League financial‑sustainability criteria and a lack of cooperation during the probe.

Potential criminal repercussions

According to the Sun, individuals involved could face criminal charges if authorities uncover evidence of fraud, tax evasion or false information given to auditors. Under British law, such financial crimes can carry sentences of up to ten years in prison, although no custodial sentences have been handed down to City officials at this stage.

The report also highlighted extra payments to staff and player image‑right agreements that may be subject to tax and national‑insurance contributions, drawing the attention of HMRC, the UK tax authority.

Manchester City denies any wrongdoing and says it is confident of being cleared in the upcoming appeal. The club must lodge its appeal by 2 October, with the commission scheduled to issue a final decision by 17 January 2027.

Foto: Manchester City / Jogada10