The Premier League published a 40-page report revealing that an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious financial rule breaches. These violations involved an £830.69 million disguised funding scheme over nine seasons. The landmark decision, released on September 29, 2026, concludes that the club systematically bypassed financial regulations from the 2009-10 campaign through 2017-18.
According to the commission’s detailed findings, the club’s owner, Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), artificially inflated commercial sponsorship deals to hide operating losses. Out of £949.94 million in booked commercial income from Abu Dhabi entities during the nine-season span, only £119.25 million came from legitimate base sponsor fees. The remaining £830.69 million was paid directly by the club’s owners.
Sham Contracts and Deceptive Accounting Practices
The independent panel determined that Manchester City arranged sham contracts and relied on deceptive devices to manipulate their financial statements. Among these was the Fordham Arrangement, which improperly recorded £24.5 million as operating income while omitting £49.414 million in operating expenses.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters addressed the historic verdict in an official statement, emphasizing the systematic nature of the violations.
The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period. It details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade, and it vindicates the Premier League’s decision to pursue this case.
The commission report also noted that several club witnesses provided false and dishonest testimony during the extensive proceedings. Additionally, City was found guilty of the majority of charges relating to a failure to cooperate with the league’s multi-year investigation.
Manchester City Responds With Immediate Appeal Plans
Manchester City issued a swift response expressing disappointment and surprise at the commission’s opinion. The club maintained its innocence and confirmed plans to file an appeal before the Friday deadline.
“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions,” a club statement read. “The club will therefore be relentless, and where necessary proactive, in any and all appropriate regulatory and legal forums.”
In a video message directed to club employees, Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano characterized the outcome as the product of a “Premier League conspiracy theory,” asserting that the entire case relies on false allegations regarding the owner’s personal funding.
Potential Sanctions and Next Steps
With the liability phase concluded, the independent commission will hold a separate, private hearing to determine appropriate sanctions. While no timetable has been established, legal experts suggest the penalties could range from severe financial fines and massive points deductions to potential relegation.
The Premier League has stated its intention to move through the remaining administrative and appellate processes as swiftly as possible to provide certainty for clubs, players, and supporters worldwide.
