National media call for Man City ownership change after guilty verdict on all financial charges

Manchester City have been found guilty of all but one of the financial charges brought against them by an independent Premier League commission, with the sole exception relating to non-cooperation with the investigation. The Premier League’s statement accused City of using “sham contracts” with commercial partners to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs — findings that have drawn sharp responses from media outlets across the country.

City CEO Ferran Soriano rejected the verdict outright, insisting the Premier League’s case rests on a false accusation and that the club would successfully appeal. In a formal statement, City said they were “both disappointed and surprised” by the commission’s opinion, adding that “a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions.”

Sanctions have not yet been determined, and the club has made clear it will pursue every available regulatory and legal avenue to contest the findings.

The Times went furthest in its reaction, calling for City’s Abu Dhabi owners to be stripped of the club. The outlet pointed to the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), David Kogan, and the powers granted to him under the Football Governance Act 2025. Part 4, Section 38(1) of that legislation states that the IFR “may make an order disqualifying a person from being an owner of any regulated club” if it determines that person is not suitable to hold such a position.

The Times argued that the depth and detail of the commission’s judgment meant City’s owners were now regarded as “cheats, fraudsters and charlatans,” and that the reputational damage extended beyond the club to the integrity of the Premier League itself. The article framed the Football Governance Act as a live mechanism through which a forced ownership change could be pursued.

City’s owners have maintained their position since acquiring the club in 2008, building it into one of the dominant forces in English and European football across that period. The commission’s findings, if upheld on appeal, would cast a shadow over multiple Premier League title wins accumulated during the years covered by the charges.

The appeals process is expected to be lengthy, meaning any sanctions — whether points deductions, fines, title stripping, or ownership-related measures — remain some way off. For now, City’s leadership has signalled it will fight the verdict at every stage.