Premier League chief confirms Man City systematically broke rules for nearly a decade

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has confirmed that Manchester City systematically broke the league’s financial rules for nearly a decade, following the conclusion of an independent commission’s investigation into 115 charges against the club.

In a formal statement released by the Premier League, Masters described the commission’s findings as the most significant disciplinary decision in the league’s history. “The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period,” he said. “It details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade.”

Masters added that the outcome vindicates the league’s decision to pursue the case. “While the process to date has been both long and difficult, the League has remained determined that the facts be established independently,” he said. “It is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the Rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition.”

The charges against City relate to alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations and a failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation, covering a nine-year period. The commission’s ruling establishes the factual basis of those breaches, though the question of what punishment City will face has yet to be determined.

“There are elements of the case that remain to be decided, including, importantly, what sanction must follow for these breaches,” Masters said. “Now we have the Commission’s decision, we are committed to moving swiftly through the remainder of the process, to provide certainty for the League, our clubs and fans.”

Manchester City have also issued a response to the commission’s findings, though the full details of the club’s statement were not immediately available. The sanction phase of proceedings is expected to follow, with the outcome likely to have far-reaching consequences for the club and the wider league.