Manchester City Club issued a statement in response to the charges brought against it by the Premier League.
Among the 115 charges leveled against Manchester City, 35 related to failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations.
Manchester City revealed in its statement: "Manchester City Football Club is disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission published today."
The Premier League announced in an official statement that Manchester City was found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the league's financial rules over nine seasons, and most charges relating to its failure to cooperate with the league's investigation between 2009 and 2018, including entering into sham contracts with several commercial partners, submitting misleading accounts, concealing its financial position, and violating spending limits set by the Premier League and UEFA. See details by clicking here
Following the confirmation of the charges, the club has the right to appeal the independent commission's findings, with until Friday, October 2, to exercise this right. The Premier League Board intends to complete the entire process as quickly as possible.
Manchester City responded: "The Club affirms its innocence regarding the charges brought against it by the Premier League and possesses compelling and comprehensive evidence supporting all its positions on this matter. Therefore, the Club will continue its diligent fight and take proactive measures when necessary before all relevant regulatory and legal bodies."
The club's statement added: "Premier League proceedings are ongoing, with significant elements yet to be completed. Manchester City Club will now resort to all available avenues of appeal, on the basis that the opinion contains clear fundamental errors in law, principle, and fact, and is unsound."
It continued: "The Club has taken due process seriously for eight years, based on the expectation that the Premier League Board and Executive would act as an independent, impartial, and fair regulator, free from partisan influence."
Manchester City's statement concluded: "It is clear that the Club is restricted in what it can say further until all future proceedings are complete."
Manchester City Club was charged with 115 counts by the English Football Association. These charges center on: 54 counts relating to providing inaccurate financial information - 35 counts relating to failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations - 14 counts relating to non-disclosure of player and manager salary details - 7 breaches relating to profitability and sustainability rules - 5 breaches relating to UEFA regulations.
What are the potential sanctions for Manchester City?
Potential sanctions, according to Premier League regulations, range from financial fines and point deductions to expulsion from the Premier League.
Point deductions can be applied retroactively, which could open the door to the possibility of stripping Manchester City of some of its previous titles.
Manchester City is preparing to appeal the decision within the coming days.
The English Football Association accused the club of failing to provide accurate financial information, along with breaches relating to payments to players and managers, and financial fair play, profitability, and sustainability rules.
Manchester City Club denied all charges brought against it, affirming confidence in its legal position.
