Manchester City have reacted to the Premier League’s verdict after an independent commission found the club guilty of serious breaches of the competition’s financial rules.
The Premier League announced that City were found guilty of charges linked to financial regulations covering a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. The commission also upheld most of the allegations relating to the club’s failure to cooperate with the investigation.
According to the findings, the club was accused of using sham commercial agreements that inflated revenue figures and reduced reported costs. The commission also found breaches relating to financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
Manchester City responded by rejecting the verdict and insisting that the club remains innocent of the allegations.
In a statement, City expressed disappointment with the decision and confirmed plans to challenge the findings through the appeal process.
“Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission,” the club said.
The club added that it would pursue all available appeal avenues, arguing that the ruling contains material errors in law, principle and fact.
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements uncompleted. Manchester City FC will now pursue the appeal avenues open to it,” the statement added.
Sanctions have not yet been determined, with a separate process expected to decide any punishment arising from the case. Potential penalties could include points deductions, fines or other disciplinary measures.
The Premier League has stated that it intends to conclude the remaining stages of the process, including any appeals, as quickly as possible.
