Manchester City found guilty of major financial rule breaches

An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of 114 out of 115 alleged breaches of English Premier League financial regulations spanning nine seasons from 2009/10 to 2017/18. The investigation, which began in 2023, concluded that the club utilized "sham" commercial contracts to artificially inflate revenue and hide operating costs, misrepresenting over 900 million pounds in financial data. The commission also found the club failed to cooperate with the investigation in most instances.

Manchester City has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the commission's findings as containing material errors of law and fact. Chief executive Ferran Soriano and manager Pep Guardiola have publicly defended the club, signaling a firm intention to appeal. Former club chairman David Bernstein has called for the board of directors to resign in light of the findings. The club has until October 2, 2026, to officially file an appeal, which will initiate a review by a new three-member panel, leaving the ultimate sanctions against the club yet to be determined.