MANCHESTER City could face a points deduction, financial penalties or other sanctions after reportedly being found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against the club by the Premier League.
The reported verdict, published by The Athletic on Friday, September 25, comes after an independent commission considered allegations concerning the club’s finances between 2009 and 2018.
The sanctions have not yet been determined, while City are expected to appeal the findings.
The development could have significant consequences for the club if the reported findings are formally confirmed, particularly because the Premier League’s disciplinary framework allows an independent commission to impose fines, points deductions and other sporting sanctions.
However, Manchester City said the case remained ongoing and that significant elements of the process were yet to be completed.
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” a club spokesperson was reported to have said.
The club added that its position remained consistent with its response when the charges were announced in February 2023.
What sanctions could City face?
The immediate issue following the reported verdict is the punishment Manchester City could receive if the findings stand.
The Premier League’s rules provide an independent commission with a range of sanctions, including fines, points deductions and other sporting measures. A decision can subsequently be challenged through the league’s appeal process.
A points deduction could affect City’s position in the Premier League and, depending on its size and when it is applied, could have consequences for the club’s current or future campaigns.
The case could also raise questions about City’s past league finishes and honours if any sanction is applied retrospectively.
There has been no decision to strip Manchester City of any title, however, and no punishment has yet been announced.
The Premier League’s disciplinary process also allows an appeal board to review a commission’s decision and gives it wide discretion over the outcome, including varying the original order.
How City got here
The Premier League announced in February 2023 that it had referred alleged breaches by Manchester City to an independent commission.
The allegations covered nine seasons, from 2009/10 to 2017/18.
According to the league, City were alleged to have breached rules requiring clubs to provide accurate financial information giving a true and fair picture of their financial position.
The allegations specifically included information relating to revenue, sponsorship income, related parties and operating costs. The league also alleged breaches concerning payments to players and managers, UEFA’s financial regulations and the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.
The Premier League also accused City of failing to cooperate with its investigation.
City have consistently denied the allegations.
The allegations against the club came under renewed scrutiny in November 2018 after Der Spiegel published reports based on leaked internal club documents, alleging breaches of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.
An independent commission was subsequently tasked with determining the allegations.
The proceedings were held privately under the Premier League’s disciplinary system, with the league stating that independent commissions are separate from its board and made up of members of its independent Judicial Panel.
Why the verdict matters
Manchester City have become one of the most successful clubs in English football during the period covered by the allegations.
The club won three Premier League titles between 2009/10 and 2017/18, as well as other domestic trophies.
The reported findings therefore have potential implications beyond a financial penalty, particularly if the eventual sanction includes sporting consequences relating to the seasons covered by the case.
Any attempt to alter past league standings or honours would, however, depend on the final sanction and the outcome of any appeal.
The reported verdict does not itself overturn City’s previous results or titles.
City maintain their defence
When the Premier League announced the charges in 2023, Manchester City said it was surprised by the allegations and welcomed the referral to an independent commission.
The club said it expected the commission to consider the evidence it had provided in support of its position.
Following the latest reports, City again said it had respected due process and expected the Premier League to act as an “independent, impartial and fair minded regulator”.
The club is expected to appeal against the findings and any sanctions imposed.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M