Manchester City is facing 115 charges relating to seasons from 2009 to 2018 and is set to face a hearing by an independent commission to examine the team’s financial breaches. During this time, the team won seven Premier League titles, six League Cups, three FA Cups, and one Champions League.
The Premier League said that the club must provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position.” which they allege City has not provided.
A large portion of the charges relate to the club’s requirement to provide accurate financial information, including sponsorship deals and player and manager payments, not complying with UEFA’s rules on Financial Fair Play, breaching the League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules, and failing to cooperate with the league’s investigation.
The club was referred to the independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation. City, however, strongly denied all allegations and said it has “a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of our position.”
The hearing began on Monday morning and is expected to last approximately 10 weeks, although a verdict will not be made public until 2025.
If City is found guilty, the club could be subject to a 100-point deduction and expulsion from the Premier League.
City manager Pep Guardiola said: “Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven, so we’ll see.”
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat does the public think?
The majority of football fans are calling for City to be thoroughly investigated and punished (most hoping for a demotion to a lower division) as a consequence of their actions, taking to X to share their opinions:
The common opinion is that City should face a significant punishment, especially since Everton and Nottingham Forest were deducted points for breaches last season (2023/24).
In a statement, the club said: “Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that supports its position.
“As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
