Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “The principal ruling sets out what occurred at Manchester City during the period in question. It explains how the club repeatedly breached Premier League regulations for almost ten years.
“The findings also support the Premier League’s decision to bring the case against Manchester City. Although the proceedings have been lengthy and challenging, the League has remained committed to having the facts determined independently.
“One of the Premier League’s central duties is to enforce the regulations agreed upon by its clubs and safeguard the competition’s integrity. Keeping the League fair and competitive for every club and supporter is essential, and we treat that responsibility with the utmost seriousness.”
The Premier League added that any punishment imposed on City would be considered separately at another hearing before the independent commission.
Under League regulations, the hearing is required to take place in private and remain confidential.
Culture, Media & Sport secretary Lisa Nandy MP described the matter as extremely serious and said the Premier League’s findings presented a deeply troubling picture.
She added that the situation was creating considerable anxiety among Manchester City supporters and football fans across the Premier League.
David Bernstein, City’s chairman from 1998 to 2003, warned that the Premier League’s credibility was on the line following the ruling.
He described the findings as extraordinarily damaging, pointing to claims involving fabricated records and a pattern of conduct extending over several years.
Bernstein said legal teams often maintain a complete denial until every option has been exhausted. However, he argued that City is a member of a wider competition whose reputation is now at risk, adding that some allegations could be serious enough to warrant referral to authorities beyond the League.
He also argued that a monetary punishment would not be sufficient because of the wealth of the club’s Abu Dhabi owners. In his view, if the findings are upheld and any appeal is unsuccessful, Manchester City should receive a major sporting penalty that removes the club from the Premier League, despite his seven decades of support for the team.
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