The Premier League has accused Manchester City of breaking its financial rules following a four-year investigation.
The reigning champions have been referred to an independent commission over alleged breaches of a series of financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
City are accused by the Premier League of not providing accurate financial information, “in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs”.
The club are also accused of not fully disclosing managerial remuneration for a four-year period. These related to the 2009-10 to 2012-13 seasons, when Roberto Mancini was in charge.
They also stand accused of breaching Premier League rules on profit and sustainability in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18.
The Premier League has additionally alleged that City did not comply with UEFA’s regulations around club licensing and financial fair play in 2013-14 and between 2014-15 and 2017-18.
...
A City statement read: “Manchester City FC 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.
“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.”
I believe to a belief standard of satisfaction of conscience that my beloved City did commit the malfeasances alleged. They skated on UEFA's two-year ban in 2020 only because the sporting court ruled that the statute of limitations barred the penalty.
