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Manchester City found guilty of 115 financial violations; manager defends club
Manchester City was found guilty of breaking 115 Premier League financial rules by using sham contracts to disguise over £830 million in secret funding and artificially inflating revenue by more than $1 billion. Manager Enzo Maresca defended the club and its leadership, stating full confidence despite the verdict, while the team has filed an appeal.
Quick Facts
- Independent panel found Manchester City guilty of 115 financial rule violations
- Club used sham contracts to disguise secret funding
- Club artificially inflated revenue
- Manchester City filed an appeal against the verdict
- Maresca addressed players upon their return from international duty
Manchester City has been found guilty of the vast majority of 115 financial rule breaches brought by the Premier League, in what is considered the largest financial scandal in English football history. An independent panel concluded that the club used "sham" contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830 million, and artificially inflated revenue by over $1 billion to help sign major players. The club has maintained its innocence and filed an appeal against the verdict.
Manager Enzo Maresca addressed the findings in his first press conference since the ruling was published, expressing full confidence in the club's ownership and leadership. "I trust completely in the club in this moment, in the future, always," Maresca said on Friday ahead of City's match against Liverpool. He stated that the reason he joined the club was his complete trust in the owner, chief executive, sporting director, and the entire organization. When asked if the verdict tarnished Manchester City's achievements over more than a decade of dominance in English football, Maresca answered: "Not at all."
Maresca reported that the squad's mood remains positive and focused on football. "The feeling is fantastic," he said, noting that players are excited about upcoming matches and particularly pleased that the team currently leads the league. He emphasized that players understand they can only control what happens on the pitch and are not concerned about the surrounding controversy. Striker Erling Haaland echoed this sentiment, calling for the team and fans to "stick together" and stay positive.
Other Premier League managers have commented on the ruling. Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner, who previously experienced delays in a similar matter at Crystal Palace, expressed hope that Manchester City's appeal process would be completed quickly to avoid prolonged uncertainty. Former Manchester City player Vincent Kompany, now manager of Bayern Munich, offered cautious support for City's on-field achievements during his playing years while distancing himself from the controversy.
Manchester City has been owned by Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, during which time the club has won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. The club's appeal is ongoing, and the outcome could significantly affect English football's regulatory framework and competitive balance.
Why This Matters
Manchester City's conviction on 115 financial violations represents a major regulatory enforcement action in English professional football. The independent panel's findings of disguised funding and inflated revenue affect the competitive integrity of the Premier League over more than a decade. The club's ongoing appeal will determine potential sporting sanctions (points deductions, transfer restrictions, or relegation), reshape enforcement precedent for financial fair play across European football, and influence the Premier League's regulatory framework. Outcomes may take months or years to resolve and will impact fixture scheduling, transfer windows, and competitive standings.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2008
WireAbu Dhabi United Group acquired Manchester City
Oct 8, 2026
WireInternational players returned to Manchester City training after verdict was announced
Oct 9, 2026
WireEnzo Maresca held first press conference since verdict, expressing confidence in club
Related Signals
Sources
- Man City Marasca Premier League 951bbbc73500fa94a0943ef1823f7fb3apWireOct 9, 2026
- Man City charges: Premier League managers news conferences as top flight returnsBBCMediaOct 8, 2026
- Man City charges: Enzo Maresca says 'feeling is fantastic' among Man City squadBBCMediaOct 8, 2026
- Мареска — о финансовых нарушениях «Манчестер Сити»: «Я совершенно спокоен, полностью доверяю клубу»Матч ТВMediaOct 8, 2026