The independent commission’s verdict against Manchester City has “significant implications for the integrity of the game”, according to the Football Association. The FA announced it is carefully considering the decision and its implications, adding that it will “take action where appropriate” while continuing to monitor developments closely.
The governing body’s statement follows confirmation that Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges against them. These charges relate to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The Premier League stated that City “systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade.”
Findings and Appeal Details
Among the independent panel’s findings were that City arranged “sham contracts” with several commercial partners as part of a scheme to disguise secret funding of more than £830m. Although City have repeatedly denied guilt, they have until Friday to lodge an appeal against the ruling.
- Sources said Sport that City are expected to base their appeal on claims that key sponsorship deals were funded by the Abu Dhabi government, rather than the club’s owners.
- The FA has declined to comment further at this stage, noting that proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing.
