Manchester City have been found guilty on 114 charges of financial breaches by an independent Premier League commission, including violations of spending limits and account misreporting. The findings, released Tuesday, cover the period from 2009-10 to 2017-18, during which the club allegedly used sham contracts and other tactics to circumvent revenue regulations. While the verdict confirms all charges except one related to cooperation with the investigation, sanctions remain pending, with Manchester City holding until Friday, October 2, to initiate an appeal.
Former manager Roberto Mancini addressed the matter during a press conference ahead of Italy’s Nations League match, denying wrongdoing. “It’s not something new because every four or five years this comes up,” Mancini stated. “Manchester City is not guilty. The double contract issue is theirs, not mine.”
The investigation, initiated in 2018 following a complaint, concluded with a 42-day hearing in December 2024. Premier League CEO Richard Masters emphasized the gravity of the case, calling it the most significant in the league’s history. “The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period. It details systematic breaches of Premier League Rules over nearly a decade,” Masters said. “We remain committed to upholding competition integrity for all clubs and fans.”
Manchester City’s official statement maintains innocence, citing “irrefutable evidence” and describing the commission’s findings as containing “clear material errors” in law and fact. The club insists it will pursue “relentless” appeals across all legal avenues, noting its respect for due process over eight years.
Under current regulations, potential penalties include financial fines, relegation, or further sanctions beyond the Premier League, though violations pertain solely to the 2009-18 period. The club’s response signals a readiness to challenge every aspect of the ruling, reflecting their determination to preserve their competitive standing.
The club’s aggressive stance underscores the unprecedented nature of the charges, which could reshape the structure of English football. As the appeal process begins, scrutiny will intensify over both the merits of the case and the broader implications for club governance and league fairness.
