Premier League Confirms Manchester City Guilty Of Serious Financial Breaches

Manchester City have been found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules covering a nine-season period from 2009/10 to 2017/18, following a decision by an independent Commission.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Premier League confirmed on Tuesday, September 29, that the Commission found City guilty of all charges relating to the financial breaches and guilty on the majority of charges concerning the club’s failure to cooperate with the League’s investigation.

The Commission found that Manchester City had arranged what it described as “sham” contracts with several commercial partners, allegedly allowing the club to artificially increase its reported revenue and reduce its costs during the period under investigation.

The Commission also found that the club submitted inaccurate financial information and concealed the true state of its finances from auditors and football authorities. According to the Premier League, the arrangements resulted in more than £900 million in artificially increased revenues and reduced costs.

The findings also concerned a funding arrangement involving Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd (ADUG), which owned Manchester City during the period in question. The Commission concluded that portions of sponsorship agreements and related arrangements were funded through a structure that enabled the club to record lower operating costs than it actually incurred.

The independent Commission further concluded that the club substantially breached Premier League spending rules and UEFA financial regulations during the period under review. It also found City guilty of three of four alleged breaches relating to the club’s cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation.

The League’s investigation began in December 2018, while a formal complaint was issued in February 2023. The independent Commission subsequently held a 42-day hearing that concluded in December 2024.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the Commission’s decision had established the facts surrounding Manchester City’s conduct during the period examined. He described the disciplinary proceedings as a significant case for the League.

However, no punishment has been imposed at this stage. The Premier League said the question of sanctions will be considered separately by the independent Commission at a further hearing. Possible penalties under the League’s rules include fines, points deductions and other sporting sanctions.

Manchester City have the right to appeal the Commission’s findings and have until Friday, October 2, to exercise that option. The club has rejected the findings and said it intends to pursue the available appeal process.

The Premier League said it intends to complete the remaining disciplinary process, including any appeal and the publication of relevant decisions, as soon as possible.