Man City verdict has implications for football integrity, says FA

The Football Association has said it is considering taking action following the Independent Commission’s findings against Manchester City over breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

The FA said the decision had “significant implications for the integrity of the game” but declined to comment further while proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City remain ongoing.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governing body said it was carefully considering the commission’s decision and its implications.

“The Independent Commission’s decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game. We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate.

“As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. We will, however, continue to monitor developments closely.”

The FA’s statement came after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period.

The Premier League said the commission found that City had arranged “sham” contracts with commercial partners, filed misstated accounts and concealed the true state of its finances from auditors and football regulators.

The commission also found the club significantly breached Premier League and UEFA spending limits and upheld three of four alleged breaches relating to City’s cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation.

The Premier League has yet to determine the sanctions for the breaches, while Manchester City has the right to appeal the commission’s findings. The club has maintained its innocence and is expected to challenge the decision.

The FA’s latest statement does not specify what action it could take, saying only that it would act “where appropriate”.

FA’s reaction came three days after the Premier League published the Commission’s findings on Tuesday, with Manchester City on the same day rejecting the verdict, insisting it was “innocent of the accusations” and vowing to pursue its appeal avenues.

Premier League wanted Manchester City’s financial rules case to be resolved as quickly as possible.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.