Manchester City's £830m 'sham' contracts and disguised funding scheme exposed
Manchester City inflated commercial revenue by £830.39 million between 2009 and 2018 through 'sham contracts' and a disguised funding scheme.
In Brief
- •Manchester City inflated commercial revenue by £830.39 million between 2009 and 2018 through 'sham contracts' and a disguised funding scheme.
- •Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) provided hundreds of millions of pounds to Manchester City, presented as commercial sponsorship revenue.
- •The Premier League's Independent Commission found that City systematically broke Premier League rules for nearly a decade.
- •Some club witnesses provided false evidence during the proceedings.
- •Manchester City has denied wrongdoing and has the right to appeal the commission's findings.
Why It Matters
The findings of the Premier League's Independent Commission reveal a significant breach of financial rules by Manchester City, which could have broader implications for the integrity of football finances. This case highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to financial regulations in sports, ensuring fair competition and financial accountability. The exposure of such practices can also influence future regulations and the way clubs manage their finances.
Key Details
- Inflated Commercial Revenue
- £830.39 million
- Period of Inflation
- 2009 to 2018
- Declared Commercial Revenue
- £949.94 million
- Actual Sponsorship Payments
- £119.25 million
- Sponsorship Fees for Premier League Wins
- £360 million
- Legitimate Sponsorship Payments
- £43 million
Context & Background
The Premier League has a set of financial rules that clubs must adhere to, ensuring transparency and fairness in financial reporting. This case involves a significant breach of these rules, which could set a precedent for future financial regulations in football.
Original Reporting & Sources
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