TLDR
An independent Premier League commission found Manchester City guilty of arranging sham commercial contracts to inflate revenues and cut costs by more than £900 million across nine seasons. Three Premier League titles won during that period are at risk, pending City's appeal.
Nine seasons, £900 million and a verdict
An independent Premier League commission found Manchester City FC guilty of all serious charges related to breaches of the league's financial rules on 29 September 2026.[1] The ruling covers nine seasons from 2009/10 to 2017/18.
The purpose of these schemes was found to have been to artificially inflate the club's revenues and reduce its costs. This shifted more than £900 million during the affected period to appear to comply with financial rules.[2] City was cleared of Charge 4(B) only.
The commission found City arranged sham commercial agreements with sponsors to mischaracterise equity contributions as income and conceal liabilities.[1] The Club's revenues were inflated and costs reduced by more than £900 million across the nine seasons through these schemes.[1]
Titles, rivals and sanctions
Manchester City won three Premier League titles between 2009/10 and 2017/18, in 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2017/18, including the record 100-point campaign in 2017/18. Those titles are at risk pending appeal. A points deduction could alter the historical league table and redistribute silverware to other clubs.
Sanctions available to the league include points deductions and expulsion. Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal stand to benefit if City's points across that period are adjusted.
Proceedings commenced in February 2023. The substantive hearing ran for 42 days between September and December 2024.[1]
City's response
Manchester City said it was both disappointed and surprised by the commission's opinion.[3] The club said a full body of evidence exists in support of all its positions. It pledged to pursue all appropriate regulatory and legal forums.[3]
City will appeal on grounds of material errors of law, principle and fact.[3] The Premier League referred the charges under league Rule W.3.4 in February 2023.[4] No date for the appeal hearing has been set.
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Caleb Reed covers breaking news and sport. He works to the rhythm of a story as it unfolds, and he is happiest when the facts arrive faster than anyone can spin them.
