Premier League confirms Man City guilty of ‘sham contracts’, misleading accounts

The Premier League has confirmed that an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of charges relating to breaches of the competition’s financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

According to a statement released by the Premier League, the commission found that City used “sham” contracts and agreements with several commercial partners during the nine-season period.

The commission concluded that the arrangements misrepresented the true agreements between the parties and were used to artificially increase the club’s reported revenues and reduce its costs.

City accused of misleading financial records

The Premier League statement also said the commission found that City submitted misstated accounts and concealed the true state of their finances from auditors and football regulators.

The commission further found the club to have been significantly in breach of both Premier League and UEFA spending limits during the period under investigation.

The findings cover financial allegations relating to nine seasons, from 2009-10 through to 2017-18.

City have the right to appeal the commission’s findings, with the Premier League confirming that the club has until Friday, October 2, to exercise that right.

Three co-operation charges upheld

The independent commission also considered allegations that City failed to co-operate with the Premier League’s investigation.

According to the League, three of the four alleged breaches relating to the club’s duties of co-operation and acting in utmost good faith were upheld.

The Premier League Board said its intention is for the entire process, including any appeals and the publication of relevant decisions, to be concluded as soon as possible.

The statement did not announce any sanctions against City. Any punishment will follow the completion of the relevant process, including the club’s right to appeal the commission’s findings.