Manchester City faces possible heavy penalties after independent probe finds deliberate financial rule breaches

An independent commission has ruled that Manchester City intentionally circumvented Premier League and UEFA financial regulations over nine seasons, employing a disguised funding scheme that boosted reported revenue by over £830 million and reduced recorded liabilities. The investigation, launched in 2018, resulted in more than 100 charges and uncovered false statements from key witnesses supporting the club. The commission also found the club overstated image-right income by nearly £74 million and understated staff-contract liabilities by about £17 million.

Manchester City’s chief executive said the club will appeal, labeling the decision unsafe and legally flawed. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters called the verdict the league’s most consequential case and said sanctions will be determined promptly. The outcome is expected to dominate discussion throughout the 2026-27 season and could lead to further litigation.