LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The axe of Financial Fair Play is about to fall on Manchester City. Both BBC Sport and The Athletic report that the club has been found guilty of 114 out of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations covering the period from 2009 to 2018. The investigation, sparked by revelations from *Der Spiegel* in November 2018, led to City being referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year probe. The alleged violations—which the club has consistently denied—were addressed during a hearing held between September and December 2024: the Premier League accused the “Citizens” of a lack of transparency in providing the information needed to accurately reflect the club’s financial position, alleging insufficient cooperation, while the Etihad side countered that the accusations were false and that the Der Spiegel investigation relied on illegally obtained and decontextualized emails
The commission’s verdict is now reportedly imminent, though it has apparently not yet determined which sanctions to impose; under the regulations, these range from a simple reprimand or a points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League. Trophies won by City during the period in question—specifically three league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one Community Shield—could also be at risk. Notably, following revelations by Der Spiegel, City was sanctioned by UEFA in February 2020 with a €30 million fine and a two-year ban from European competitions—measures that were subsequently overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with the fine reduced to €10 million. Meanwhile, in response to recent speculation, the club stated: “The Premier League proceedings are ongoing, with significant elements yet to be concluded and subject to strict confidentiality obligations. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years, trusting that the Premier League board and management would act as an independent, impartial regulatory body ensuring fairness, free from partisan influence.” According to the BBC, should the club be found guilty, City intends to appeal through the appropriate channels.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
