FA release statement over Manchester City FFP case with warning over 'integrity of the game'
The English FA have broken their silence on Manchester City's guilty verdict, stating it has "significant implications for the integrity of the game".
Earlier this week it was confirmed that Manchester City had been found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League more than three years after the charges were first brought forward.
The Premier League immediately released a statement providing details of 'sham' contracts while City released several statements reaffirming their innocence, and now the English Football Association has had its say.
READ MORE: Andy Burnham receives further backlash after issuing new statement on Man City case
FA warn of 'implications on game's integrity' following Man City 115 verdict
Since news of City's guilty verdict broke, English football's governing body has remained silent, waiting for the dust to settle after the seismic annoucement.
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But now, the FA has finally spoken out, confirming that it will take its time to consider the 'implications' of the verdict ahead of taking action should it be deemed necessary.
In a short statement, the FA wrote: "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.
"As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. We will, however, continue to monitor developments closely."
Following the verdict City, who continue to deny guilt, have until Friday to lodge an appeal.
The club claim that they have 'irrefutable evidence' that will prove that they are innocent, the details of which has recently emerged.
It is believed that City's key point in the appeal will be through showing that it was the government of Abu Dhabi who own the sponsors that funded the 'sham' contracts and not the City owners Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG).
The club believe that proving this will show that no rules were broken as sponsorship deals with government-funded companies have been frequent in the Premier League and are legal.
It is currently unknown how long this appeal process will take, or if City will be punished before it ends.
Premier League chief reacts to Man City 115 charges
The FA's statement comes after Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters spoke out to explain exactly why England's top-flight have been so steadfast in pursuing City for the charges.
Speaking after the guilty verdict was confirmed, Masters said: "The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period. It details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade.
“It also vindicates the Premier League’s decision to pursue this case against Manchester City. While the process to date has been both long and difficult, the League has remained determined that the facts be established independently.
“It is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the Rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition. It is paramount that the League remains competitive and fair for all clubs and for the fans.
"We take that role extremely seriously. This disciplinary case, and this decision, are the most significant in Premier League history.
"There are elements of the case that remain to be decided, including, importantly, what sanction must follow for these breaches. Now we have the Commission's decision, we are committed to moving swiftly through the remainder of the process, to provide certainty for the League, our clubs and fans."
It is not yet known what punishment City could face if the guilty verdicts are upheld, with significant fines, point deductions, transfer bans or even relegation and/or expulsion from the Premier League all believed to be on the table.
Topics: Premier League, Football News, Man City, FA, Football
Ben McCrum