THE GUARDIAN A2 FINANCIAL CRIME HIGH RISK Published 25 Sep 2026 at 15:35 UTC, affecting GB

Guardian: Manchester City found guilty of breaking Premier League’s financial fair play rules

The Guardian reports Manchester City were found guilty of the vast majority of 134 charges related to Premier League financial rules covering seasons 2009-10 to 2022-23.

Read the original notice ↗ All GB items

In short

  • The Guardian states City face possible relegation or expulsion from the Premier League after more than 100 rule breaches.
  • The Guardian - Business notes the appeal process must be initiated within 14 days of the decision, as per Premier League rulebook.

What happened

Manchester City have been found guilty of most of the 134 charges brought against them for breaching Premier League financial rules, covering the seasons 2009-10 to 2022-23. The charges include failing to provide accurate financial information, breaching profitability and sustainability rules, and not disclosing full remuneration details for players and managers.

The club faces severe sanctions, including possible relegation or expulsion from the Premier League. An appeal process is expected, with strict timeframes: appeals must be submitted within 14 days, and hearings concluded within 12 weeks. The Premier League and City have not publicly confirmed the outcome due to confidentiality agreements.

FROM THE NOTICE
The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.
Manchester City spokesperson, The Guardian, theguardian.com

In numbers

  • 134 charges brought against Manchester City
  • 2009-10 to 2022-23 seasons covered by the charges
  • €20m fine paid by City to Uefa in 2014

What compliance teams should check

  • Review Premier League rulebook sections W.64 and W.86 for disciplinary and appeal procedures.
  • Assess compliance with profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) and Uefa financial fair play regulations as cited in the charges.
  • Examine obligations to provide 'full details of ... remuneration' for players and managers per Premier League requirements.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of accurate financial reporting and transparency in football club operations. The scale and seriousness of the charges against Manchester City, including alleged misreporting and withholding documents, underscore the risks of non-compliance with league and Uefa financial regulations. Compliance officers must ensure robust controls and disclosure practices to avoid similar breaches, as sanctions can include fines, points deductions, suspension, or even expulsion from competition, with strict timelines for appeals and publication of decisions.

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