Premier League clubs push for second City investigation as executives clash over next steps

A group of Premier League clubs are pushing for a second investigation into Manchester City’s finances, covering the period from 2018 to the present, even as the club’s appeal against 114 financial rule breaches from an earlier era remains unresolved.

In September, an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them, relating to alleged financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. City have appealed the verdict and maintain they have evidence to clear their name. No sanctions have yet been imposed.

According to the Independent, some club officials believe the commission’s findings — particularly its conclusion that City used “sham” sponsorship deals disguised as owner investment, and that the club and its Abu Dhabi-based sponsors were “related parties” — provide grounds to examine whether similar conduct continued after 2018. One source is reported to have asked: “What changed overnight?”

However, the push for a second investigation is far from unanimous. Several Premier League chief executives are reluctant to open another front, with some warning it would place the sport in an awkward “dilemma”. Nearly three years have passed since the Premier League first published its allegations against City, and there is growing disillusionment over the uncertainty the ongoing case has cast over the competition.

With sanctions still to be determined, and concern that City would appeal any punishment — potentially extending the saga further — some executives argue it would be better for the league to draw a line under the existing charges before launching any new inquiry.

The period in question carries significant weight. It was during the eight seasons from 2017-18 onwards that Pep Guardiola oversaw what many regard as the strongest sustained run in Premier League history, winning all six of his league titles in that window.

A further dimension has emerged in the reported discussions: some officials have suggested that the threat of a second investigation could serve as leverage should City continue to delay proceedings in their current appeal.