Full Breakdown
Manchester City Found Guilty of Premier League Financial Breaches; Roberto Mancini Says the Case Is “Not My Problem”
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
An independent commission concluded that Manchester City breached Premier League financial regulations in every charge relating to the 2009-10 through 2017-18 seasons, finding the club guilty of 114 of the 115 allegations. The verdict, announced in early 2026, cites “sham” sponsorship arrangements that inflated revenue and concealed liabilities. The club has signalled its intention to appeal the findings.
Background & Context
The investigation traces back to a 2018 leak by *Der Spiegel*, which revealed undisclosed payments to former manager Roberto Mancini. Subsequent inquiries by the Premier League and a four-year investigation led to formal charges at the start of 2023. Manchester City has been owned by Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, and the alleged off-shoring of Mancini’s salary was linked to a consultancy contract with Al Jazira, another club in the Mansour portfolio.
Data & Statistics
- Total charges examined: 115; guilty findings: 114.
- Alleged “sham” commercial deals inflated revenue by more than £900 million (? $1.2 billion).
- Unpaid income tax and National Insurance claimed to be up to £12 million.
- Potential penalty could raise liabilities to £24 million.
- The club’s “double contract” allegedly doubled Mancini’s base salary of £1.45 million.
- Manchester City has won three Premier League titles during the period under investigation and is currently top of the league in the 2026-27 season after five matches.
Official Statements & Responses
- Roberto Mancini, Italy head coach, reiterated that the verdict does not affect him personally: “It’s not a problem that concerns me,” and later added, “No. I already spoke it about the other night. It’s not something that concerns me. It’s City’s problem, unfortunately.”
- He emphasized that the verdict does not implicate him, as his tenure covered only the final two seasons examined.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Tax Policy Associates report cited by the Treasury Committee claims City may have avoided up to £12 million in tax, while the same source suggests a possible penalty could increase total liabilities to £24 million. No official figure has been confirmed by HMRC, and the exact amount of unpaid taxes remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Manchester City must lodge its appeal by October 2. The Premier League has indicated that a hearing will determine sanctions, which could include financial penalties, points deductions, or even removal from the league. The outcome will shape the club’s competitive future and its compliance with both domestic and UEFA financial regulations.