The Premier League has charged Manchester City with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules over multiple years.
The alleged breaches span a period from the 2009-10 season to the 2017-18 campaign.
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Meanwhile the defending Premier League champions are alleged to have breached league rules requiring provision “in utmost good faith” of “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position” and will now be referred to an independent commission.
Martin Rickett
Manchester City have also been accused of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018.
The independent commission will investigate the charges against the Premier League giants including details of manager and player remuneration, UEFA regulations, revenue and profitability and sustainability.
If Manchester City are found guilty, they could face a range of punishments including points deduction and ultimately expulsion from the league.
City issued a statement which 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.”
The Premier League said in a statement: 'In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club to a Commission.'
“Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26”.
“The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website”.
The Premier League statement concluded: “The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.
“This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice.”
Premier League rule W.51 covers the sanctioning powers of a commission where an alleged breach or breaches are found proven.
Nick Potts
These range from a reprimand, from the deduction of points up to a recommendation to the league to expel a club from the competition.
The commission has the power to make such sanctions conditional on defined actions being taken within a fixed time period, and respondents have a right of appeal.
The chair of the independent Premier League judicial panel is Murray Rosen KC, who was appointed in 2020.
He will now select individuals to sit alongside him on a commission to consider the alleged rule breaches. The panel also has access to consult other independent financial and legal experts.
