Manchester City’s long-running financial case has reached a decisive new stage, with the club found guilty of 114 breaches following an independent commission’s investigation into its accounts between 2009 and 2018.
The Premier League said City used sponsorship arrangements involving companies linked to the United Arab Emirates, the country connected to the club’s ownership, to overstate commercial income and lower reported costs. The findings concern a period in which the Manchester club won eight league titles.
More than £900m at the centre of findings
The four-year investigation produced almost 7,000 pages of testimony and expert analysis. The commission concluded that arrangements described as fictitious had been used in dealings with commercial partners.
Those agreements did not reflect the real terms between the parties, the league said, and were intended to present inflated revenue figures while reducing the club’s costs.
The Premier League put the financial impact at more than £900 million, or over €1 billion, across the period under examination. It said the system was designed to create the appearance that City were complying with financial rules.
The findings also state that inaccurate accounts were submitted and that the club’s true financial position was concealed from auditors and football regulators.
Sanction still to be decided
The question of punishment has not yet been resolved, despite the guilty verdict. Rival clubs have called for severe consequences, while the Premier League now moves into the next part of the disciplinary process.
Richard Masters, the league’s chief executive, said safeguarding the competition’s rules was central to preserving its integrity.
“The Premier League must ensure that regulations agreed by the clubs are respected,” Masters said. “The competition has to remain fair and competitive for every club and its supporters.”
He described the case and the commission’s decision as among the most significant in Premier League history, while stressing that key issues, notably the sanction, remain open. Masters said the league would seek to conclude the remaining process quickly in order to provide clarity for clubs and fans.
City promise to fight the verdict
Manchester City have until 2 October to appeal and responded swiftly by rejecting the commission’s conclusions. The reigning English runners-up said they remained innocent of the alleged wrongdoing.
“Manchester City are disappointed and surprised by the Premier League commission’s opinion,” the club said.
City added that they disputed the allegations and possessed what they called a comprehensive body of compelling evidence supporting their position. The club said it would defend itself with determination before every relevant regulatory and legal body if required.
