Man City charged by Premier League with 'numerous breaches' of financial rules

Manchester City have been charged by the Premier League with 'numerous breaches' of financial rules following a four-year investigation.

The English champions have allegedly breached financial rules over a period of nine seasons. They are alleged to have not provided accurate financial information.

Information includes the club's revenue, which includes sponsorship revenue and operating costs.

According to Martyn Ziegler, a range of sanctions are possible, including a points deduction or even expulsion from the league if the breaches are proved.

A Premier League statement reads: "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 (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4.

Manchester City's football stadium. Image: Alamy

"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.

"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."

Man City intend to 'robustly' defend themselves against the Premier League charges, according to The Daily Mail.

In 2020, Man City had a two-year ban from European club competitions overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, after UEFA had ruled that the Blues committed 'serious breaches' of Financial Fair Play regulations between 2012 and 2016.

Pep Guardiola's side won their eighth league title last season and their sixth Premier League title since the big-money takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.