Manchester City faces possible Premier League sanctions after financial-rules verdict

Manchester City faces possible Premier League sanctions after an independent disciplinary commission found the club guilty of systematically breaching the competition’s financial rules over nearly a decade. The case mainly concerns the club’s financial dealings from 2009 to 2018. The Premier League said possible sanctions include a reprimand, fine, suspension, points deduction or, in the most serious outcome, expulsion from the competition.

The punishment will be determined at a separate confidential hearing. The league did not state whether sanctions could be imposed before an appeal is completed, but said it intended the process to conclude as soon as possible. City has rejected the verdict and said it will appeal.

The club said it was innocent and that there was comprehensive evidence supporting its position. An appeal would be heard by a newly appointed three-person board, with the hearing expected to finish within 12 weeks of filing and last no more than five consecutive days. The club could also face compensation claims from rival teams.

Other clubs may argue that City’s alleged rule-breaking affected title races, Champions League qualification, relegation battles or prize money. The source noted that Everton had previously been ordered to pay compensation to Burnley after a separate financial case. Manchester City’s case is a disciplinary proceeding rather than a criminal investigation.

Some commentators have suggested the matter could warrant examination by British authorities if accounts were falsified or auditors misled, but the source said there had been no reported criminal investigation. Etihad Airways, City’s main sponsor, was reported to be considering legal advice over how the investigation findings were communicated. The airline said it stood with the club and had not been contacted during the commission process.