Man City hit back at Premier League ruling, insists club is innocent of financial charges
Manchester City have rejected the findings of the Premier League case against them and insist they are innocent of all financial allegations.
The Premier League was confirmed by an independent commission found City guilty of breaching the rules of its financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
In a statement on its website, the Premier League said the commission had found that City entered into “false” contracts and agreements to “inflate the club’s income and reduce its costs”.
The commission also found that City “misrepresented the accounts and concealed the true state of its finances”, putting the club in “significant” breach of both Premier League and UEFA rules.
The city has until Friday to appeal the decision.
The club were reportedly found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them. The charges relate to possible breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period. The city maintains its innocence and is expected to appeal the verdict.
THE CITY INSIST LEGAL PROCESS IS STILL ONGOING
Manchester City has denied any wrongdoing since the allegations were made in February 2023. Following news of the ruling, the club reiterated that the legal process was still ongoing.
A City spokesman said: “The Premier League process is still ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed, and is subject to strict confidentiality.”
The club also said it respected the process and expected the Premier League to act fairly and independently. The city argued that the allegations should be resolved through the courts, not through media reports.
CHAIRMAN SENDS MESSAGE TO SUPPORTERS
Khaldoon Al Mubarak has assured fans that the club remains confident it will prove its innocence. Courtesy: Reuters
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has written to fans, assuring them the club remains confident it can prove its innocence.
He said: “The Premier League process still has a long way to go and our confidence and intention to prove the club’s innocence is as strong as when it started.”
Al Mubarak also explained why the club did not share more details about its position.
“There are so many things I would like to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position,” he said.
He added: “But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means that I cannot do that at this time.”
The chairman also insisted that “nothing has changed” in the club’s stance since the case began.
WHAT ARE THE FEES?
The Premier League has accused City of breaching financial rules over several seasons. The charges include allegations that the club provided incorrect financial information and did not fully cooperate with the investigation.
Some of the allegations relate to sponsorship deals. The Premier League claimed that some of the deals may not have been worth as much as the club stated and that some of the payments may have come from other sources.
Manchester City have denied the allegations and have consistently maintained that their financial transactions were legal.
THE SENTENCE SHOULD BE CONFIRMED
Although an independent panel reportedly found City guilty of almost all charges, the punishment has not yet been announced. The club can appeal the decision before a final decision is made.
Possible punishments, including points deductions, a fine or even a ban from the Premier League, have been widely discussed. However, no sanction has been confirmed and the final outcome remains uncertain.
Next steps will depend on the commission’s full findings, any penalty imposed and the outcome of the city’s appeal.
A LONG LEGAL BATTLE AHEAD
The case has been hanging over Manchester City and English football for several years. The club won several major trophies during the period covered by the allegations, including the Premier League and Champions League titles.
So far, City have made their position clear. While the independent commission has delivered its findings, the club say the matter is not over and intend to challenge the decision.
As Al Mubarak told his fans, “the club’s confidence and intention to prove the club’s innocence is as strong as when it started”.
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