Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has broken his silence on Manchester City's 'systematic' breaching of rules over a nine-year spell. The top flight released a statement today revealing the outcome of the investigation into their alleged 115 charges, relating to financial fair play and failure to co-operate with the League's investigation.
Masters: Facts established independently
In a statement, Masters said: "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.
"It also vindicates the Premier League's decision to pursue this case against Manchester City. While the process to date has been both long and difficult, the League has remained determined that the facts be established independently."
Integrity and fairness
Masters added: "It is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the Rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition. It is paramount that the League remains competitive and fair for all clubs and for the fans. We take that role extremely seriously.
"This disciplinary case, and this decision, are the most significant in Premier League history. There are elements of the case that remain to be decided, including, importantly, what sanction must follow for these breaches."
Next steps
Masters concluded: "Now we have the Commission's decision, we are committed to moving swiftly through the remainder of the process, to provide certainty for the League, our clubs and fans."
Manchester City have responded to the Premier League's statement. Further updates are expected as the process continues.
