Football: Manchester City found guilty of 114 financial violations

Sep 26, 2026

The American media outlet The Athletic reported on Friday, September 25, that Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges for violating Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The "Sky Blues," who plan to appeal this decision, could face various sanctions ranging from a simple warning to exclusion from the league.

Published on: 26/09/2026 - 16:34Updated on: 26/09/2026 - 16:45

3 min Reading time

In February 2023, after a four-year investigation, the Premier League accused Manchester City of 115 offenses: 80 financial violations during the period 2009-2018 (inflated sponsorship, undeclared wages, etc.) and 35 others for a lack of cooperation during the investigation.

Between September and December 2024, a lengthy hearing took place before a three-member independent panel in a secret location, where lawyers from the Premier League - the prestigious English league - and those from the club presented their arguments. In an initial official reaction on Friday, a representative of the Citizens simply reiterated that their position had not changed.

The Premier League's process is still ongoing, with crucial elements remaining to be finalized and subject to strict confidentiality. In this context, Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement from February 2023. "The club has diligently followed the appropriate procedure for eight years, assuming that the board and management of the Premier League would act as an independent, impartial, and fair regulator, free from any partisan influence," he added.

In 2020, UEFA banned the club from all European competitions for two years due to alleged breaches of financial fair play, a sanction that was overturned on appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Since its acquisition in 2008 by the Emirati investment fund Abu Dhabi United Group, led by Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City has amassed titles.

Point and title deductions?

The decade under Pep Guardiola's management (2016-2026) has particularly stood out: the Sky Blues won six of the seven English league titles between 2018 and 2024, as well as a Champions League title (2023), their first in the club's history.

If City is found guilty, the sanction could include a points deduction or even exclusion from the Premier League. In 2024, Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for financial infractions.

A severe sanction would also raise questions about the future of City's star-studded squad, including prolific striker Erling Haaland, while other clubs might demand the annulment of certain titles and seek compensation.

"Another Premier League medal to add to the collection," tweeted former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, whose team finished second behind the Citizens in the 2011-2012 season.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, for his part, warned against any "hasty conclusions" regarding a potential withdrawal of the Premier League titles won by City.

"I think we will all need to examine the report from the independent panel very carefully before drawing any conclusions," he told ITV Granada Reports.