The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) says Manchester City's guilty verdict over Premier League financial breaches "raises serious issues" concerning the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners. In a statement released on Wednesday, the IFR called for a swift resolution to the saga, admitting it could use its powers where appropriate.
Guilty verdict and £830m inflation
On Tuesday, a decision was published finding City guilty of virtually all of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League. It was revealed that the club had artificially inflated commercial revenue by around £830m between 2009 and 2018.
City, who deny all charges, have pushed back on the verdict and will lodge an official appeal before Friday's deadline. Chief executive Richard Masters said the eight-time winners had "systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade" in a statement published on Tuesday.
Potential punishments and IFR powers
The prospect of Liverpool being retrospectively awarded the 2013/14 Premier League title and the 2016 League Cup has been broached among potential City punishments. Everton, meanwhile, would have been elevated into the Champions League or Europa League on five occasions between 2009 and 2018 had City been excluded from Europe.
The IFR was created in July 2025 and was given powers to take action against those deemed unfit directors and executives. The regulator's statement read: "The independent commission's decision raises serious issues. The IFR has powers to assess the suitability of owners, directors and executives and we will use these powers where appropriate, in the interests of protecting the sustainability, honesty and integrity of English football where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing by individuals. This includes taking account of findings made by the Leagues. However, as the proceedings remain ongoing between Manchester City and the Premier League we will await further developments. We hope it can be resolved quickly for the sake of fans. For now, we have no further comment."
Guardiola support and upcoming fixture
On Wednesday, former City boss Pep Guardiola rallied behind his former owners in an Instagram post, saying: "I want every single @ManCity fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo (Maresca) and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
Liverpool will host league leaders City at Anfield after the international break on October 11.
