Manchester City have been found guilty on 114 of the 115 Premier League charges brought against them following a financial fair play investigation. The verdict arrives three-and-a-half years after the club was first hit with the charges, and punishments have not yet been determined. City are anticipated to challenge the ruling.
Nine-year breach period
In February 2023, the Premier League claimed that City had breached its financial rules over a nine-year period running from 2009 to 2018. The club was also accused of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations into their finances. City, who vigorously rejected all of the charges and any misconduct from the beginning, secured three league titles during that period. The charges have cast a cloud over their achievements under Emirati owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
A 12-week hearing took place before a three-person independent commission between September and December of 2024. Newcastle United have been watching proceedings closely following the Saudi-backed takeover of the club by PIF in 2021, with the Magpies clear from the start that they would adhere to strict financial regulations.
Club statement and reaction
A City statement to The Athletic said: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023."
The statement added: "The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence." City insisted their case was underpinned by a 'comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence'. The Premier League, meanwhile, alleged that City had violated rules requiring the club to supply 'accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position'.
Managerial changes
Pep Guardiola stepped down as City manager in May, departing with the belief that the club were innocent. "I trust them," said Guardiola, who took charge in 2016. "I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened... There will be a resolution, but nobody from the staff, of the backroom staff or mainly the players and the manager was here."
There is no suggestion that the former City boss was aware of any alleged wrongdoing from 2016 to 2018. Enzo Maresca has since taken the reins at the club, having previously served as Guardiola's assistant. "The only thing I can say is three years ago, the treble season, I was here, and it was the same words about this," Maresca said in July. "In three years, it's still the same. Nothing has happened. I don't have any concerns, personally."
