Manchester City club proclaims its “innocence” in the face of allegations of “serious” financial violations during the 2009-2018 period

Manchester City was declared “guilty” of “serious” financial violations during the 2009-2018 period. In a statement, the English club maintains that it is innocent and that it has “irrefutable” evidence.

According to the allegations, Manchester City used fictitious contracts with commercial partners to artificially increase revenues and reduce reported expenses. Some of the sums presented as sponsorship income actually came from Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), the company that owned the club.

The Commission established that these mechanisms artificially altered the club’s revenues and costs by more than 900 million pounds during the period under review. City thus presented inaccurate financial statements and concealed the true situation from both auditors and football regulatory bodies.

"Manchester City is both disappointed and surprised by the Premier League Commission’s ruling, published today. The club is innocent regarding the allegations brought by the Premier League and has a complete set of irrefutable evidence supporting all its positions regarding this case. Therefore, the club will adopt an uncompromising and, if necessary, proactive stance before all competent regulatory and judicial bodies," the club’s representatives said.