English football’s new regulator has signalled that Manchester City’s ownership and senior leadership could face further scrutiny after the club were found guilty of 115 financial breaches.
Quick facts
- Independent Football Regulator chair David Kogan said the body can assess club owners, directors and executives.
- The regulator may use those powers where there is clear evidence of individual wrongdoing.
- Manchester City can appeal until 2 October and continue to deny wrongdoing.
- Chief executive Ferran Soriano has described the case as based on a “false accusation”.
Kogan said the independent commission’s verdict raised “very serious questions” and stressed that the regulator was established to protect the sustainability, honesty and integrity of the English game.
The Independent Football Regulator was created in the aftermath of the attempted European Super League breakaway, with a remit that includes examining the conduct and financial position of those running clubs. Its suitability tests can apply to owners, directors and executives.
“We have the ability to consider whether owners, directors and senior executives are suitable,” Kogan said. “Where there is clear evidence of misconduct by individuals, we will use that power when appropriate to safeguard the sustainability, propriety and integrity of English football.”
He added that the regulator could take account of the Premier League’s investigation, though no immediate move is expected while proceedings between City and the league remain ongoing.
Kogan said he hoped the matter could be settled soon, not least for supporters who have watched the case hang over the competition.
City have maintained their innocence throughout and say they possess irrefutable evidence in support of their position. The club have until 2 October to lodge an appeal.
Soriano has criticised the basis of the case, calling it a “false accusation” and referring to what he described as Premier League conspiracy theories. The next stage now lies in the appeal process, with the regulator waiting for developments before deciding whether its own powers need to be used.
