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Manchester City faces potential expulsion following financial rule breaches
Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 out of 115 alleged financial rule breaches by an independent commission. The investigation covered a nine-season period between 2009 and 2018, with findings suggesting the club used sham contracts to disguise more than £830 million in funding.
Premier League clubs are reportedly divided over potential sanctions. While some senior figures advocate for the strongest possible penalties, including expulsion from the Premier League and potential refusal of admission to the English Football League, others express concern over the commercial impact on the league's international standing. Other discussed sanctions include massive points deductions, transfer bans, and unlimited fines.
The club has formally appealed the verdict and continues to deny all wrongdoing. The fallout has extended beyond the pitch, with calls for scrutiny of the club's auditor, BDO, and concerns regarding the potential sale of the club by its Abu Dhabi ownership if the appeal fails. Financial experts warn that relegation could result in losses exceeding £500 million per season due to the impact on television rights and matchday revenue.
Entities
BDO · Erling Haaland · Manchester City · Microsoft · Premier League · Sheikh Mansour · Simon Pakenham-Walsh
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The club used sham contracts to disguise over £830 million in funding. www.isoccerng.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former manager Jesse Marsch questioned the financial feasibility of Manchester City's £52 million signing of Erling Haaland. www.si.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Relegation could cost Manchester City more than £500 million per season, primarily due to lost television revenue. sportsport.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former FA chair David Bernstein suggested the case may require investigation by external authorities. www.consultancy.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Premier League clubs are reportedly divided regarding potential sanctions, including expulsion from the league. maltasport.mt · www.football365.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The financial breaches occurred over a nine-season period between 2009 and 2018. maltasport.mt · www.isoccerng.com · www.consultancy.uk · sportsport.ba · www.football365.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Manchester City denies all wrongdoing and has formally lodged an appeal against the findings. maltasport.mt · www.isoccerng.com · sportsport.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Manchester City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 financial rule breaches. www.isoccerng.com · www.consultancy.uk · sportsport.ba