Manchester City is currently perched at the top of the Premier League, but a verdict could leave them at the bottom, or even relegated to a lower league. Insiders say that in a verdict that could reshape English soccer, the club has been found guilty on 114 of 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, the Athletic reports. Sanctions have not yet been decided, but anything from fines and reprimands to points deductions or expulsion from the league is available to an independent panel. The club is expected to appeal. Severe sanctions could put the future of star players like Erling Haaland in doubt.
The league charged the club with the violations in 2023 after a four-year investigation. The centers on alleged misconduct from 2009 to 2018, including accusations of inaccurate financial reporting, hidden payments to players and coaches, and violations of both UEFA and Premier League spending rules—claims the club has consistently denied. The club was acquired by Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008. Leaked documents published by Der Spiegel in 2018 showed that the club had disguised direct payments from the owners by inflating figures for revenue from sponsors like Etihad, Abu Dhabi's state-owned airline, AFP reports.
City says the process is ongoing and stresses it has "diligently respected due process," reiterating its 2023 stance that it has "irrefutable" evidence in its favor. Manchester City won the league three times during the period in question, but it could end up being stripped of those titles, the AP reports. The BBC reports that on X, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand quipped, "Another premier league medal to be added to the cabinet." He was part of the team that finished second to City in the 2011-12 season.
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