FOOTBALL – Manchester City have been found guilty of all but one of the 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, The Athletic reported yesterday, a potentially seismic development in a case that has hung over English football for years.
The club are expected to appeal, indicating that the process was not yet complete. They have always denied any wrongdoing.
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” the club said in a statement to British media.
“As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
The Premier League declined to comment.
“It’s a confidential process, we’re not commenting at all,” a spokesperson said.
If confirmed, the guilty verdict would represent one of the most significant rulings in English football history in a case that has overshadowed the league for more than three years.
The proceedings have raised questions about financial regulation, competitive integrity and how the league enforces its rules against its most successful clubs.
The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in February 2023 over alleged breaches of financial rules spanning the 2009-10 to 2022-23 seasons. The club have consistently denied wrongdoing.
Among the most serious allegations was that City failed in each season from 2009-10 to 2017-18 to provide accurate financial information giving a ‘true and fair view’ of revenues, including sponsorship income, and operating costs.
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