FA: Man City Verdict Carries 'Integrity of the Game' Implications — SkimNews
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- The Football Association said the independent commission's verdict against Manchester City has 'significant implications for the integrity of the game' and is 'carefully considering the decision and its implications,' adding it 'will take action where appropriate.'
- Manchester City were found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, with the Premier League saying the club 'systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade.'
- City have until Friday to lodge an appeal, and sources told BBC Sport they are expected to claim key sponsorship deals were funded by the Abu Dhabi government — specifically owners Abu Dhabi United Group and vice-president Sheikh Mansour — rather than the club itself.
- The independent panel found City arranged 'sham contracts' with commercial partners to disguise secret funding worth £830.69m, enabling the club to appear to comply with Premier League and Uefa financial rules.
- The Treasury Committee has asked HMRC to scrutinise the case after a Tax Policy Associates report claimed City failed to pay as much as £12m in unpaid tax linked to a 'sham' contract with former manager Roberto Mancini, with potential penalties bringing liabilities to £24m.
- Etihad Airways said it is considering legal action against the Premier League and 'categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.'
Why it matters: The FA's public statement — pledging to 'take action where appropriate' — signals the game's governing body may move beyond the Premier League's case, opening a parallel regulatory front. The HMRC inquiry could add up to £24m in tax liabilities on top of City's appeal fight, while Etihad's threatened lawsuit adds a third legal battle, all stemming from the £830m disguised funding scheme.
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