Steve Douglas, Associated Press
The Premier League announced on October 1, 2026, that Manchester City has been found guilty of nearly all 115 charges related to alleged financial rule breaches. The charges pertain to violations occurring during the club's ownership by Abu Dhabi from 2009 to 2018. The league's chief executive, Richard Masters, described the case as the most significant in Premier League history.
The charges include failing to provide accurate financial information, submitting inflated sponsorship figures, and hiding payments to players and managers. Additionally, City was accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation, which began in December 2018. The allegations were based on internal emails published by the German outlet Der Spiegel, which were obtained through the Football Leaks website.
The Premier League's investigation revealed that City had created what it termed "sham" contracts to disguise over £830 million ($1.1 billion) in funding from its owners. The commission noted that some witnesses provided false evidence during the hearings. City has stated that the emails were taken out of context and that it intends to appeal the findings, claiming there is irrefutable evidence supporting its position.
Sanctions against City will be determined in a separate hearing by the same independent commission, with potential penalties ranging from fines to expulsion from the league. The club's previous financial issues with UEFA led to a two-year ban from competitions, which was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Reports indicate that rival clubs may seek compensation for the impact of City's alleged rule-breaking on their own standings. The potential for City to lose its Premier League titles remains uncertain, but the league's handbook allows for such an order. The implications of this ruling extend beyond the club, potentially affecting the reputation of Abu Dhabi in the realm of sports ownership.