In a stunning surprise that shook the foundations of English and global football, Manchester City was found guilty on 114 out of 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League, covering a period spanning nine years (2009–2018).
While the decision caused shock among fans and observers, the club remained steadfast in its aggressive stance to prove its innocence, triggering a series of decisive reactions from the club's management and presidency, through emotional support from manager Pep Guardiola, to the Football Association stepping in as City filed its official appeal.
Premier League finds Manchester City guilty on 114 financial charges
Manchester City received a ruling from the Premier League regarding allegations of breaching financial regulations, which came as a massive surprise.
According to reports by "The Athletic" and subsequently the "Daily Mirror," Manchester City was found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges brought against it.
Manchester City finally received the Premier League's verdict, which was not the news they had hoped for, as the club was convicted on all but one of the 115 charges, in a development that caused a seismic shock.
The Sky Blues have consistently and strongly denied these allegations and intend to appeal the ruling, which covers a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018.
In a statement issued in 2023, Man City said: "The Club has adhered to due process throughout eight years, based on the principle that the Premier League Board and its Executive would act as an independent, impartial, and fair regulatory body, free from any partisan influence."
Khaldoon Al Mubarak's confidence
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Manchester City's Board, expressed his complete confidence in his club's position regarding the charges leveled against it.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "I have been part of this Club for 18 years. I have been honored to stand with you at the Etihad Stadium, at Wembley, and in Istanbul. This Club is dear to my heart, and you have repeatedly shown me how important Manchester City is to you. That is why I am writing to you today."
He added: "Following the media reports on Friday, many of you spent your evening answering questions and messages from friends, family, and colleagues. So did I. Here is what I told my family: We still have a long way to go in the Premier League proceedings, and our confidence and determination to prove the Club's innocence remain as strong as they were at the beginning."
He emphasized: "There are many things I would like to share with you to explain the reason for our great confidence in our position, but our strict commitment to the confidentiality of legal proceedings and our desire to respect them prevents me from doing so at this time. Even this message has undergone several legal reviews to ensure compliance with the terms."
He concluded: "Please read carefully the statement below, which we issued on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 (also below). Every word in it is important and correct."
Manchester City's official statement
English club Manchester City issued an official statement confirming its innocence regarding the charges brought against it by the Premier League.
Manchester City said in its statement: "Manchester City Club is disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission published today."
It added: "The Club affirms its innocence from the charges brought against it by the Premier League and possesses conclusive evidence supporting all its positions related to this case. Therefore, the Club will continue its relentless struggle and take proactive measures when necessary, in all appropriate regulatory and legal forums."
It continued: "The Premier League proceedings are still ongoing, with important aspects yet to be completed. Manchester City Club will now resort to all available avenues of appeal, based on the fact that the opinion contains clear fundamental errors in law, principles, and facts, and is unsound."
The English club's statement continued: "The Club has respected due process over eight years, based on its conviction that the Premier League Board and its Executive would act as an independent, impartial, and fair regulatory body, free from any partisan influence."
Manchester City's statement concluded: "It is obvious that the Club is restricted in its further statements until all subsequent procedures are completed."
Guardiola's message
Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, former manager of English club Manchester City, broke his silence regarding the charges leveled against the English club.
Guardiola said via his personal Instagram account: "I want every Manchester City fan to know that I am here, more than ever before. I have always been and will always remain supportive of my club, its owner, its chairman, Ferran, the players, the staff, Enzo, and you, our special fans."
The former Man City coach concluded: "Let me assure you: we will overcome this ordeal together... I love you all."
The FA breaks its silence on Manchester City's conviction
The English Football Association broke its silence regarding the Independent Commission's decision to find Manchester City guilty of breaches related to the Premier League's financial rules.
The FA said in an official statement: "The decision of the Independent Commission has serious implications for the integrity of the game."
It added: "We are carefully examining the decision and its implications, and will take appropriate action. Given that proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Club are ongoing, we do not intend to make further comments at this stage; however, we will continue to monitor developments closely."
The FA's statement came after the Premier League announced Manchester City's conviction on all charges related to financial breaches, in a case whose proceedings lasted for years.
Manchester City's appeal
Manchester City Club officially announced that it had filed an appeal against the opinion of the Premier League's Independent Commission regarding the disciplinary case concerning accusations of the Club breaching the competition's financial rules.
The Club said in an official statement: "The Club is innocent of the charges brought against it by the Premier League, and there is a comprehensive set of conclusive evidence supporting all its positions related to this case."
Manchester City concluded its statement by affirming its respect for legal procedures, explaining that the continuation of the case imposes restrictions on what the Club can disclose at this time.
It finished: "We will continue to respect due process, and we are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all procedures are completed."