Manchester City has rejected the findings of an independent Premier League Commission that found the club guilty of serious financial-rule breaches. The club described the opinion as "unsafe" and vowed to pursue all available appeal avenues. In a statement published on its website, Manchester City said it was "disappointed and surprised" by the Commission's opinion and maintained that it was innocent of the accusations. The club will continue to challenge the findings through regulatory and legal channels.
The Premier League Commission found Manchester City guilty of breaching financial rules between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons. The breaches included arrangements described as "sham" commercial agreements that artificially inflated City's revenues and reduced its costs by more than £900m during the affected period. Manchester City, however, questioned the independence of the Premier League's regulatory process and said it had respected the process throughout the proceedings.
Manchester City said it would pursue the appeal avenues available to it, citing clear material errors of law, principle, and fact in the Commission's opinion. The club stated that the Premier League process was not yet complete and that significant elements remained uncompleted. Manchester City will now pursue the appeal avenues open to it, with the Premier League giving the club until Friday, October 2, to exercise that right.
The Premier League began its investigation into Manchester City in December 2018, while a formal complaint was subsequently issued in February 2023. The independent Commission held a 42-day hearing, which concluded in December 2024. The issue of sanctions will be addressed separately at a further hearing before the independent Commission, which will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted under the Premier League's rules.
Manchester City's statement said the club was restricted in what it could disclose publicly while the remaining proceedings were ongoing. The club maintained that it had diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial, and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.
La Liga president has called for severe sanctions if Manchester City is guilty of rule breaches. The Premier League said the sanction hearing would remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome was permitted under its rules. Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The Premier League's decision has sparked controversy, with some questioning the independence of the regulatory process. Manchester City's appeal will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the club and the Premier League. The club's statement concluded that it would be relentless in pursuing its appeal avenues, and the outcome remains to be seen.
Key points
- Manchester City has rejected the Premier League's financial breaches verdict and vowed to appeal.
- The Premier League Commission found Manchester City guilty of breaching financial rules between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons.
- The issue of sanctions will be addressed separately at a further hearing before the independent Commission.
