Premier League finds Manchester City guilty of infractions

Manchester City has been found guilty of financial offences by the Premier League following the verdict of an independent commission, covering the period 2009‑2018. The club, based in Manchester, has until Friday to lodge an appeal, while remaining « innocent » according to its statements.

Commission findings

The investigation concluded that the club had created false contracts with several commercial partners, artificially inflating its revenue and concealing the reality of its financial situation. This practice would have allowed the concealment of €1.05 billion of costs from the regulatory authorities. The commission found the club guilty of all counts relating to serious violations and of the majority of counts related to its lack of cooperation.

Proposed sanctions and club reaction

The Premier League has not yet specified the timing of the sanction, but is considering financial penalties, a recruitment ban, a points deduction that could lead to relegation, or even exclusion from the league. Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, described the case as the most significant in the history of the English championship. The Agency relayed the Premier League’s decision.

Manchester City immediately announced its intention to challenge the findings, stating it is « innocent » of the accusations. “Manchester City is both disappointed and surprised by the judgment released today,” the club said in a statement.

History and continuation of the investigation

The club has a right of appeal until Friday, citing manifest errors of law, principle and fact in the judgment. It also emphasized that it possesses a “large amount of irrefutable evidence” to support its position. The club believes the judgment contains legal errors.

Since its takeover in 2008 by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Manchester City has become a giant of English football, winning eight league titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups and the Champions League in 2023. That same year, the club had already been sued by the Premier League for alleged breaches of the regulations.

The hearing before the independent commission began in September 2024 and concluded three months later, resulting in the verdict announced on Tuesday. The investigation process lasted nearly four years, according to the Premier League.

The next commission session will determine the exact sanction, while the club prepares its appeal. Supporters and observers are waiting to see whether the decision will affect the club’s ambitions for the upcoming season.