FA warns of integrity risks after independent commission finds Manchester City guilty of financial violations
The Football Association said the independent commission's ruling on Manchester City’s use of disguised funding raises serious integrity concerns and may lead to disciplinary action.
An independent commission has concluded that Manchester City used more than £830 million in disguised funding to artificially boost club revenues, breaching Premier League and UEFA regulations. The 40-page report, released on Tuesday, said the club set up a series of sham arrangements to conceal the money, rejecting the club’s claim that the funds came from the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court to assist sponsors.
"We concluded that it was an 'explanation' that the club had concocted well after the event in an attempt to obscure and conceal the realities of the disguised funding scheme," the panel said.
The Football Association responded with a statement saying the decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game and that it is reviewing the ruling and its possible consequences. The FA added that it will take action where appropriate but will not comment further while legal proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City continue.
Manchester City confirmed it will appeal the verdict, with a deadline to submit its challenge set for October 2. The club’s primary sponsor, Etihad Airways, is reportedly considering legal steps against the Premier League amid the scrutiny of its financial links to the club.