Man City charged by the Premier League in a shocking crackdown

After a four-year investigation into their financial activities, the Premier League has issued charges against the reigning champions.

The Premier League has charged Manchester City for over 100 breaches of its financial regulations.

In a statement on Monday, the league announced multiple charges against City. It alleged the Citizens broke its Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules between 2009 and 2018. Incidentally, the club won the league title three times (2011-12, 2013-14, 2017-18) in that nine-year period.

The Premier League also accused City of not cooperating nor disclosing information during its investigation.

“Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with,” read a statement from City.

“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such, we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

What are the charges against Man City?

According to the Premier League, City did not provide ‘accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position’ between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

The details in question concerned the club’s revenue during that nine-year period.

The Premier League also alleged breaches regarding the full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s payments from 2009-10 until 2012-13 and the player salaries between 2010-11 and 2015-16.

Furthermore, the league has charged City with breaking FFP rules in relation to UEFA from 2013 until 2018. It also alleged that the Sky Blues broke rules on profitability and sustainability. This was between the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons.

In 2020, City had a two-year ban and a €30 million fine from UEFA overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after a successful appeal.

UEFA accused City of serious FFP breaches between 2012 and 2016. The European governing body launched an investigation into leaked documents from Der Spiegel. It claimed the Citizens had inflated the value of a sponsorship deal.

What punishment could Man City face?

The Premier League has referred the case to an independent commission.

This commission has the authority to impose some severe punishments. These include a points deduction, cancelation of player registrations, and even expulsion from the Premier League.