The Premier League has fined Manchester City £2.09m for 22 offences relating to late kick-offs over the past two seasons. However, the fine is small compared to the 115 charges the club faces for allegedly breaching the league’s financial rules.
The charges, which were announced in February 2023, cover a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018. The club is accused of providing inaccurate financial information, failing to fully disclose details of payments to managers and players, and failing to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. A hearing has been set for the case, with a potential verdict expected in the summer of 2025.
If found guilty, City could face a large fine and points deduction, as well as relegation and expulsion from the Premier League. The club has denied all allegations and welcomes the opportunity to clear its name before an independent panel.
The recent fine for kicking off late may not affect the 115-count case. The Related Party Transactions (APT) rules the club is accused of breaching do not come into effect until 2021, after the suspected financial breaches.
The 115-count case is complex and unprecedented, requiring careful preparation from both sides. The football world is eagerly awaiting the outcome as it could set a precedent for how financial misconduct is handled in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Manchester City finished the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title but have yet to complete another treble, losing in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. The club will hope to put the allegations behind them and focus on the season ahead.
