Manchester City remains guilty in 100 financial cases after commission
In Manchester there is an uproar because an independent commission has found Manchester City guilty on 114 of 115 charges. The allegations relate to the period 2009/10 to 2017/18 and involve massive manipulation of revenues and expenses worth over £900 million.
Verdict and possible sanctions
The independent commission confirmed that Manchester City is guilty on the central charges. Thus the verdict stands, having already confirmed 114 of 115 allegations. The Premier League announced that the team must now expect drastic penalties.
Possible sanctions range from hefty fines to point deductions that could jeopardise the ten‑time champion's stay in the Premier League. The exact amount will be determined in a separate procedure. Such an intervention would be unprecedented in English football.
Financial manipulations in detail
The commission found that revenues and expenses were manipulated through sham contracts to a total of more than £900 million. The aim was to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs during the period in order to create the appearance of compliance with the rules. Officially it reads: “It was found that the purpose of these machinations was to artificially inflate the club’s revenues and reduce its costs by more than £900 million.”
Premier League finds Man City used sham contracts to boost revenues
The investigation period spans from the 2009/10 season to 2017/18, i.e., the years after the club was taken over by the Abu Dhabi investors in 2008. The allegations target the owners’ business practices, which allegedly systematically circumvented the financial rules. In addition, false annual accounts were submitted and the true financial state was concealed.
Man City responds
Manchester City released a statement saying the club is “both disappointed and surprised.” Man City stressed that it is “innocent regarding the allegations raised by the Premier League” and will exhaust all available legal remedies. The team plans to lodge an appeal against the verdict by Friday.
Premier League chief Richard Masters said that the integrity of the competition is one of the league’s core responsibilities. He described the process as the most significant in Premier League history and assured that the remaining steps will be pursued swiftly. The hearing on the final sanctions will remain private and confidential.
Premier League declares Man City guilty in historic financial case
The scandal is already being called one of the biggest in the history of English football. The decision could lead to stricter oversight and harsher penalties for breaches of financial regulations in the future.