Story perspectives

Man City Convicted on 114 Financial Breaches, Appeals Planned

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 11:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Manchester City Found Guilty

Manchester City was found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League financial rule breaches.
The independent commission said the club used sham contracts to inflate revenues by more than £900 million.
The scheme concealed over £1.5 billion of secret Abu Dhabi funding between 2009 and 2018.
Owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan faces possible sanctions up to points deduction or expulsion.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak announced an appeal with a deadline of Friday 2 October 2026.

Summary

APL Reviews Ruling

APL announced it will review the Premier League ruling for possible impact on Melbourne City.
Simon Pearce serves as Manchester City board member, vice-chair of Melbourne City, and sits on the APL board.
APL officials say Melbourne City’s link to Manchester City creates reputational risk for Australian football.
The A-Leagues launch in Sydney on 16 October proceeds despite controversy while clubs negotiate a player-pay agreement.

History

Historical Context

In the 2009-10 season Portsmouth, newly bought by Sulaiman Al-Fahim and then 90% owned by Ali al-Faraj’s Falcondrone, faced mounting debts and unpaid wages. After Balram Chainrai seized control in February 2010, the club entered administration on 26 February and was docked nine points, prompting the Premier League to tighten financial oversight for future clubs.

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Manchester City Found Guilty

Manchester City was found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League financial rule breaches.
The independent commission said the club used sham contracts to inflate revenues by more than £900 million.
The scheme concealed over £1.5 billion of secret Abu Dhabi funding between 2009 and 2018.
Owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan faces possible sanctions up to points deduction or expulsion.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak announced an appeal with a deadline of Friday 2 October 2026.

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