Manchester City has been found to have violated nearly all 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League, with an independent commission concluding guilt on 114 counts. The specific penalties remain undecided, and the club plans to appeal the decision, according to a British newspaper.

This development is the latest in an eight-year saga that began with leaked documents in 11/2018, as reported by The Telegraph. The Premier League brought the charges in 2/2023, following a four-year investigation into Manchester City's financial activities from the 2009-2010 to the 2017-2018 seasons. The case was then referred to an independent commission for review.

Erling Haaland reacts during a Manchester City match against Sunderland in the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, on 20/9. Photo: AP

The accusations primarily involve Manchester City's alleged failure to provide accurate financial information, fully disclose payments to players and coaches, and comply with UEFA's financial fair play regulations and the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. Significant charges also relate to the valuation of sponsorship contracts linked to Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners and the undisclosed payments made to players and former coach Roberto Mancini.

Manchester City has consistently denied the allegations. In a statement issued in 2/2023, the club expressed surprise at the charges and stated its belief that an independent commission would objectively consider all the evidence, which the club deems "unshakeable." Following this latest development, a Manchester City spokesperson reiterated that the process is not yet complete.

"The Premier League process is ongoing, with important parts still incomplete and subject to strict confidentiality rules," the Manchester City spokesperson said. The club affirmed its position remains consistent with its 2/2023 statement, emphasizing its respect for the process over eight years, based on the expectation that the Premier League operates independently, fairly, and without influence from interested parties.

The case originated in 11/2018 when the German newspaper Der Spiegel published leaked financial documents from the Football Leaks investigation. The Premier League subsequently launched its inquiry, eventually bringing 115 charges against Manchester City. A 12-week hearing, preceded by extensive preparations, was conducted privately by the independent commission before members reviewed the evidence and reached their conclusions.

This is not Manchester City's first encounter with financial regulation issues. In 2/2020, UEFA banned the club from European competitions for two years and imposed a 30 million euro (34 million USD) fine after an investigation also stemming from Football Leaks documents. Manchester City appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which later overturned the ban. The Premier League's case is a separate process from the UEFA case; thus, the current ruling does not reinstate UEFA's two-year ban from 2020.

Under owner Mansour Al Nahyan, Manchester City has achieved significant success, winning eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups, and one Champions League. Pep Guardiola departed Manchester City at the end of last season after 10 years at the helm. He had extended his contract in 11/2024 and stated he would remain even if the club faced relegation due to penalties related to the case. Following Guardiola's departure, Enzo Maresca was appointed as his successor.

Under Maresca, Manchester City began the 2026-2027 season with five wins in their first five rounds, topping the league table. The club also spent approximately 450 million pounds (nearly 600 million USD) during the summer transfer window, including 125 million pounds (166 million USD) for Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, matching the record transfer fee in English football.

If found in violation, Manchester City could face various sanctions under article W.51 of the Premier League's regulations. These options include a reprimand, a fine, points deduction, or even expulsion from the league. The commission may also combine multiple penalties or implement other measures, provided the punishment is proportionate to the severity of the breach. Points deductions could be applied at the time of the decision or retroactively, theoretically affecting results from previous seasons. However, the specific penalties have not yet been announced, and all decisions remain subject to the appeal process.

Hoang An compiled