The English Premier League has found Manchester City guilty of breaching financial regulations during the 2009-2010 to 2017-2018 seasons. An independent commission investigated the allegations, which included false financial reporting and failure to cooperate with the league's inquiries. The commission's findings confirmed that Manchester City had entered into various commercial arrangements that did not accurately reflect the true nature of the agreements.
According to the Premier League, Manchester City's breaches involved agreements with Abu Dhabi United Group for Investment and Development (ADUG), the club's owner. These arrangements artificially inflated revenue and reduced costs, impacting the club's financial reporting. The commission estimated that the financial impact of these breaches exceeded £900 million during the investigated period.
The Premier League's investigation revealed that Manchester City provided inaccurate financial information and failed to disclose the true nature of certain revenues and expenses. This lack of transparency affected the club's compliance with Premier League and UEFA regulations. The commission also found that had the agreements been accurately recorded, Manchester City would have exceeded financial limits set by the Premier League and UEFA.
In addition to financial breaches, Manchester City was found guilty of failing to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation in three out of four instances. The club was accused of not fulfilling its obligations to provide information and assist with the inquiry, which lasted approximately four years.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters emphasized that the decision confirms the facts surrounding Manchester City's breaches. He stressed the league's commitment to enforcing regulations and maintaining the integrity of competition. Masters described the case as one of the most significant in Premier League history.
The Premier League has announced that sanctions will be discussed in a separate hearing before the independent commission. Manchester City has the right to appeal the decision, with a deadline of October 2 set for exercising this right. The club's response to the allegations and potential penalties will be determined in the coming weeks.
The outcome of the investigation and potential sanctions will have significant implications for Manchester City and the Premier League. The league's commitment to enforcing financial regulations and ensuring fair competition will be closely watched by fans, clubs, and governing bodies.
Key points
- Manchester City found guilty of breaching financial regulations
- Breaches involved false financial reporting and failure to cooperate with the Premier League
- Sanctions to be discussed in a separate hearing before the independent commission
