Manchester City found guilty on 114 of 115 Premier League charges
Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges relating to alleged financial breaches between 2009 and 2018, according to The Athletic. The club, which denies wrongdoing, will appeal the…
Source: Free Malaysia Today · September 25, 2026 at 7:31 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourcePARIS, 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges relating to alleged financial breaches between 2009 and 2018, according to The Athletic. The club, which denies wrongdoing, will appeal the decision, with sanctions—including possible points deductions or expulsion—yet to be determined.
Market Impact
The charges stem from an investigation triggered by leaked documents published by Der Spiegel in 2018. The reports alleged the club inflated sponsorship revenue from Abu Dhabi-linked entities—Etihad Airways and Etisalat—and made off-the-books payments to former manager Roberto Mancini through consultancy fees from an Abu Dhabi-based club.
City’s legal team has stated it will challenge the verdict, arguing the evidence was flawed. The Premier League’s independent tribunal found the club guilty of failing to disclose accurate financial information, including player and coach payments, and breaching financial sustainability rules. The club has won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups, and one Champions League since Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group acquired it in 2008.
A severe penalty could reshape English football. Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions in the 2023/24 season for similar breaches, but City’s case—if upheld—could trigger title stripping or compensation claims from rival clubs. The fallout may also destabilise City’s squad, with stars like Erling Haaland potentially seeking transfers if the club’s future is uncertain.
The case hinges on whether City’s dominance was built on regulatory violations. The tribunal’s decision follows years of scrutiny over Abu Dhabi’s influence in English football. If sanctions are confirmed, the Premier League’s integrity—and City’s legacy—will be tested like never before.
The club’s appeal process could drag on for months, leaving uncertainty over its standing in the coming seasons. The Premier League has not yet announced any sanctions, but the potential consequences—including expulsion—remain severe.
This ruling could set a precedent for Premier League governance, marking the first time a top-flight club faces expulsion for financial misconduct. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for English football, particularly for clubs relying on external investment.
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