Man City Charges: Premier League Confirms Financial Breaches As Ferran Soriano Vows To Fight On

Manchester City FC have been found guilty of breaches of the Premier League's financial rules following a lengthy independent Commission process. The verdict covers conduct between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, while the Commission also upheld three of four charges relating to the club's failure to cooperate with the League's investigation.

The Premier League announced the findings on Tuesday, September 29, with the eventual Man City punishment still to be determined. Premier League Statement On Man City Charges The Premier League statement said an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of using "sham" commercial agreements to artificially increase reported revenue and reduce recorded costs.

According to the findings, the arrangements involved a number of commercial partners and funding from Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd, the club's owner. You Might Be Interested In The Commission concluded that the schemes affected the club's reported finances by more than £900 million during the period under review.

City was found to have submitted misstated accounts and concealed the true financial position from auditors and football regulators. The findings also stated that the club significantly breached both Premier League and UEFA spending limits.

During the League's four-year investigation, three of four alleged failures to cooperate were upheld, with the Commission concluding that City had made concerted efforts to frustrate the investigation. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters called the disciplinary case and decision the most significant in the competition's history, while stressing that the sanctioning stage remains separate.

The League began its investigation in December 2018 before formally issuing its complaint in February 2023. The independent hearing concluded in December 2024.

What Will Be Man City Punishment? The Man City punishment has not yet been announced.

The independent Commission will hold a separate hearing to determine the appropriate sanction, with Premier League rules allowing measures including fines, points deductions and other sporting penalties. Manchester City have the right to appeal the findings and have until Friday, October 2, 2026, to exercise that option.

The club has maintained its opposition to the case and intends to continue its legal challenge. City chief executive Ferran Soriano has also indicated that the dispute could continue for a considerable period.