An independent commission found Manchester City guilty on almost all 115 charges of financial wrongdoing, the Premier League said Tuesday. The case covers nine seasons from 2009 to 2018, while separate allegations concern the club’s failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation from 2018 to 2023.
The commission found that City submitted inaccurate financial information, overstated sponsorship income, concealed payments supplementing managers’ and players’ salaries, and breached Premier League and UEFA financial rules. The league said some commercial contracts were sham agreements or did not reflect the actual arrangements.
The Premier League said the schemes artificially increased revenue and reduced costs by more than £900 million. Chief executive Richard Masters described the ruling as detailing systematic rule-breaking. The commission also found City guilty on most charges relating to its failure to cooperate.
City said it was disappointed and surprised, maintained it was innocent and vowed to pursue an appeal. Potential sanctions—including a substantial points deduction or expulsion—will be considered at a separate hearing. The league said the club had until Friday to appeal.