The independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period, and of the majority of charges relating to its failure to co-operate with the League’s investigation. The commission has also explained the reason behind the 20-month delay in delivering its decision.
The investigation into Manchester City began in December 2018, and a complaint was issued under Section W of the League’s rules in February 2023. The Premier League announced the verdict in a statement on Wednesday, confirming the findings. Manchester City continue to maintain their innocence.
Commission explains the delay
In a statement, the independent commission addressed the lengthy delay following the conclusion of the 42-day hearing. The commission wrote: "It has taken us much longer than we would have wished, and much longer than we had anticipated would be the case when the hearing concluded, to produce our Decision. That is regrettable."
The commission said it had access to all documents used at the hearing, verbatim transcripts of evidence from each witness and expert, and detailed written submissions from the parties. Those transcripts ran to approximately 7,000 pages.
Premier League chief responds
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters commented on the decision: "The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period. It details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade."
Masters added that the decision vindicates the Premier League’s decision to pursue the case and that the League has remained determined that the facts be established independently. He described the case as "the most significant in Premier League history" and said elements remain to be decided, including the sanction.
City to appeal
Manchester City have until Friday, October 3 to lodge an appeal. In a statement, the club said: "Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission, which has been published today."
The club added that it is innocent of the accusations and that a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of its positions. City said it will pursue the appeal avenues open to it, on the basis that the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact.
