An independent commission began hearing allegations against English football champions Manchester City in London on Monday. The British press unanimously reported the news. The Premier League is investigating 115 cases of financial misconduct against Pep Guardiola’s club. The league already filed a complaint in February 2023 and referred the case to the independent commission.
115 suspected violations from 2009 to 2023
The charges allege that Manchester City provided false financial information between 2009 and 2010, and again between 2022 and 2023. This includes information on sponsorship income, connections with business partners, operating expenses and salaries for coaches and players.
The club, backed by Abu Dhabi sheikhs, are alleged to have breached UEFA’s financial rules and the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations. The Premier League also accused City officials, who deny the claims, of failing to cooperate with the investigation.
If found guilty, the punishment will be harsh.
If Manchester City are found guilty, the club that won six titles in the past seven years under Pep Guardiola could face severe punishment. They could be deducted points and, in the worst case, banned from the Premier League. Everton FC were deducted twice last season for financial breaches. A conviction for City could also lead to compensation claims from other Premier League clubs.
The hearing will be held behind closed doors at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) in central London and is expected to last around 10 weeks. The committee’s decision is expected early next year. If there is an appeal, a final decision could be made just before the end of the current season.
The hearing for Manchester City will be held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) in London. Photo: Lucy North/PA Wire/dpa
