Manchester City faces a possible fine or points deduction after an independent commission found the club guilty of 114 of 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations. The case covers nearly a decade, and the club has denied wrongdoing.

The commission found that City arranged what it called “sham contracts” with commercial partners as part of a scheme to conceal secret funding worth more than £830 million, according to reports cited by the BBC. The Premier League said the club had systematically broken its rules for nearly a decade.

Appeal expected

Manchester City has until Friday to submit an appeal. Sources cited by BBC Sport said the club is expected to argue that key sponsorship agreements were financed by the Abu Dhabi government rather than by the club’s owners. City maintains its innocence and says it has evidence supporting its position.

The commission’s findings are not yet the end of the process. A sanctions hearing is expected to take place, although it could take months to convene. Possible penalties include a substantial fine or a deduction of points. David Kogan, chair of the Independent Football Regulator, said the case raised serious issues and that the regulator would use its powers where appropriate while taking account of the league’s findings.

Political reaction

The case has also drawn Prime Minister Andy Burnham into a political dispute. In an interview with BBC political editor Chris Mason, Burnham said he would be “really concerned” if City’s United Arab Emirates owners sold the club. He said the owners had been a major partner in the development of modern Manchester and in turning the club into a global force.

Burnham also said he could not intervene in the process and that it would be wrong to reach a conclusion while City was contesting the allegations. His comments were criticised by Conservatives, who called them “completely out of touch” and “extraordinary”. Other politicians said the independent process should be protected from outside influence.

Downing Street clarifies position

Downing Street later said the initial judgment was serious and that there could be no suggestion that anyone was above the rules. A spokesperson said the independent process must be allowed to run its course and that the outcome must be respected. The statement added that wherever wrongdoing was established, those responsible should face appropriate consequences.

The wording was subsequently revised, replacing “if” wrongdoing was established with “wherever” wrongdoing was established. The episode increased scrutiny of the government’s position as the case moves toward an appeal and a possible sanctions hearing.