Manchester City has been found guilty of breaching 114 of the 115 English Premier League financial regulations it was charged with, according to a report by The Athletic. An independent panel reached the decision, although no specific punishment has yet been determined.
The club, which is expected to appeal the ruling, stated that the case “remains ongoing” and is “subject to strict confidentiality.” In a statement, Manchester City FC said its position remains consistent with its previous declaration from February 2023, emphasizing that it has “diligently respected due process for eight years.” The club expressed its expectation that the Premier League board and executive would act as an “independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
The legal proceedings became public in 2023 after the English Premier League accused the club of violating financial rules between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons. The allegations included failing to provide accurate financial information and details regarding payments to players and coaches, as well as breaching financial sustainability rules. This period of scrutiny began shortly after the Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the club in 2008, a move that rapidly elevated Manchester City to one of the league’s top teams.
Under the ownership of the Gulf group, Manchester City has secured significant success, including eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups, and one UEFA Champions League title. However, the potential sanctions for the current breaches are severe, likely including a major points deduction or even expulsion from the league. For context, Everton and Nottingham Forest both received points deductions in the 2023/24 season for single breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
A heavy punishment would have far-reaching consequences, potentially raising doubts over the future of the club’s star players, including striker Erling Haaland. Furthermore, if Manchester City is found to have gained an unfair advantage through these breaches, other clubs could seek to claim titles and compensation.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
