Manchester City has been found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules following a four-year investigation.
The club has been found guilty of 114 separate charges spanning nine years between 2009 and 2018. The charges range from inflating sponsorship income to paying staff ‘off the books’ to circumvent limits on spending, failing to comply with UEFA’s rules and failing to cooperate with investigators.
It is a decision that if upheld could have significant implications for City from a fine to points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. It is also a decision being watched closely by other clubs that might understandable feel cheated from a place in European tournaments or who may have avoided relegation if it were not for City’s financial advantage.
City have been a dominant force in English football for most of this period following its acquisition on 2008 Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, winning the Premier League eight times, the FA Cup four times and UEFA champions once.
It’s impact has been felt off the pitch too, with the club having invested more than £1 billion in the area around the Etihad Stadium, building a new training ground, residential and office blocks and a live music arena.
A game of two halves
Whilst Manchester City has yet to officially respond to the decision, it is likely that the club will take advantage of the Premier League’s rules provide for an independent appeal board to review the decision.
If it’s appeal is successful it is entirely possible City could take legal action against the Premier League for damage to its reputation.
If, however, they lose that appeal, it is likely that City could face legal challenges from other Premiership clubs who believe they have suffered financially because of missed trophies or relegation. Each of the cases would need to be heard separately, leaving City facing years of legal action.
Like many of City’s games, this decision will be closely watch and discussed. The stakes are high and this match is far from over.
David Little is a Partner at Bishop & Sewell in our expert Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial teams.
If you would like to contact him, please call on either 07968 027343 or 020 7631 4141 or email: company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
The above is accurate as at 29 September 2026.
The information above may be subject to change. The content of this note should not be considered legal advice, and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
