FA: Man City Guilty Verdict Has Game-Wide Impact
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Football Association (FA) has spoken out following an independent commission's ruling that found Manchester City guilty of violating Premier League financial rules across nine seasons, warning that the outcome carries "significant implications" for the sport.
In an official statement released on Friday, October 2, the English football's governing body emphasized the fallout of the decision. "The Independent Commission’s decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game. We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate," the FA stated.
The FA also noted that since regulatory proceedings remain active between the Premier League and the club, it will withhold further comments while continuing to "monitor developments closely."
The panel's findings conclude a long investigation into Manchester City’s financial practices between 2009 and 2018. According to reports from BBC Sport, an independent commission found that the club systematically broke rules by utilizing "sham contracts" and financial maneuvers to disguise secret funding of more than £830 million ($1.1 billion). The inflated revenue streams allegedly allowed the club to bypass spending limits set by Premier League and UEFA rules.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters called the case the most consequential disciplinary matter in the league's history. "It details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade... It is paramount that the League remains competitive and fair for all clubs and for the fans," Masters added.
In addition to football authorities, the ruling has drawn scrutiny from political and tax bodies. As BBC Sport reported, the UK Treasury Committee, chaired by MP Dame Meg Hillier, requested access to redacted commission files to examine tax compliance.
A separate report by Tax Policy Associates suggested that an undisclosed management contract involving former manager Roberto Mancini could leave the club facing up to £24 million in unpaid taxes and financial penalties.
Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano and club executives have consistently rejected the verdict as a Premier League conspiracy, according to The Independent. In a statement cited by the Manchester Evening News, the club expressed disappointment at the verdict, maintaining that a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" proves its innocence.
City holds the right to file an official appeal by Friday, October 2, with sources indicating to BBC Sport that the club will argue key corporate sponsorships were funded directly by Abu Dhabi government entities rather than owner direct injections. The club has also signaled a willingness to take its defense to the High Court if sporting appeals fail to overturn the decision.
The verdict has also triggered collateral fallout beyond the pitch. Main sponsor Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League over the published findings, according to the BBC. The UAE state-owned airline firmly rejected any suggestion of involvement in improper funding arrangements.
With potential sanctions, ranging from heavy fines to points deductions, yet to be determined, English football faces an unprecedented legal showdown that could alter governance standards for years to come.
