What Was Man City Found Guilty Of?
After a four-year investigation and a 12-week hearing, an independent commission confirmed in late September 2026 that Manchester City was guilty of the vast majority of 115 charges levied by the Premier League. The charges cover a nine-year period from
2009 to 2018. The commission found that the club used 'sham' contracts and disguised funding schemes to artificially inflate its revenue by over £900 million. This allowed the club to appear to comply with spending limits set by both the Premier League and UEFA, while in reality breaking them. The verdict also stated the club was guilty of failing to cooperate with the investigation.
Haaland's Message to the Fans
In his first public comments since the verdict, Erling Haaland, who joined the club in 2022, urged for unity. In an interview published on October 8, 2026, he said, 'We have to stick together and we have to spread the love to each other. So yeah, stick together, enjoy the ride and smile'. When asked specifically what his message was for supporters, many of whom are facing an uncertain future for their club, Haaland reiterated his call for positivity. 'We have to stay positive, look ahead and try to win football games and then try to enjoy the situation and the game', he said.
What Happens Next? The Appeal
This saga is far from over. Manchester City vehemently denies any wrongdoing, with club executives calling the decision the result of a 'Premier League conspiracy theory'. The club has confirmed it has lodged an appeal against the findings. This appeal will be heard by a new, separate independent panel. While Premier League rules set out a timeline for this process, which could see a final decision on the appeal by January 2027, the unprecedented complexity of the case means it could stretch on for much longer.
The Unprecedented Sanctions at Stake
The potential punishments facing Manchester City are severe and without precedent in Premier League history. While the commission has delivered a guilty verdict, it has not yet decided on sanctions. That will happen in a separate hearing. The list of possible penalties includes massive fines, a significant points deduction, or even the most drastic option: expulsion from the Premier League. Many observers believe a points deduction large enough to cause relegation is a real possibility given the scale and duration of the breaches found by the commission. For now, the football world watches and waits as the appeal process begins, a process that will define the legacy of one of modern football's most dominant clubs.
