Man City 'Surprised' After Being Hit With More Than 100 Breaches Of Financial Rules

Manchester City say they are "surprised" that the Premier League has accused the club of allegedly breaching the league's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

The Premier League had announced on Monday morning that City who have been the subject of a four-year investigation are facing over 100 charges which span a period from the 2009-10 season to the 2017-18 campaign. 

A statement from the league said the club are alleged to have breached league rules requiring provision "in utmost good faith" of "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position."

The league further disclosed that charges levelled against City relate to financial information regarding revenue, details of manager and player remuneration, UEFA regulations, profitability and sustainability and cooperation with Premier League investigations, which have been referred to an independent commission.

“In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today [February 6 2023] referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4," the statement from the Premier League read in part.

However, City expressed in a statement their suprise at the charges given "the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials" that the league has been provided with.

"Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with," read the statement.

"The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

"As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."

It is expected that investigation by an independent commission will take a considerable amount of time given the weight of the charges faced.

The Premier League explained that the process of reaching a conclusion on whether City is guilty or not isn't akin to a stroll in the park.

According to the league, “Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs.

"The members of the commission will be appointed by the independent chair of the Premier League judicial panel, in accordance with Premier League rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.

“The proceedings before the commission will, in accordance with Premier League rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private.

"Under Premier League rule W.82.2, the commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.

“This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League rule W.82.1.

"The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice.”

Should Man City be found guilty, they would face a range of potential sanctions including a points deduction and expulsion given the stipulations of the Premier League law.