David Kogan: Regulator Could Review Man City Owners Over 115 Charges
Manchester City’s owners could face scrutiny from the Independent Football Regulator after the club were found guilty on 115 financial charges, with chair David Kogan saying the body will consider its powers when there is clear evidence of individual wrongdoing.
Kogan said the regulator can assess whether owners, directors and senior executives remain suitable to hold their positions. But he stressed that no immediate IFR action will be taken while the dispute between City and the Premier League continues through the legal process.
Quick facts
- Manchester City were found guilty on all 115 Premier League financial charges.
- The findings concern a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018.
- The commission concluded that commercial arrangements were used to inflate income and cut reported costs.
- The financial impact was put at almost £900m.
- City have until Friday to submit a formal appeal.
The independent commission found that City used sham commercial contracts to distort the club’s financial position. Sponsorship income was allegedly supported by the Abu Dhabi United Group, enabling accounts to be filed with inaccurate figures and allowing breaches of English and European spending regulations.
The ruling found that nearly £900m was wrongly reflected in City’s finances during the period under investigation. The commission’s decision now establishes the factual basis for the next stage: deciding what sanctions, if any, should be imposed.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the verdict showed City had repeatedly broken the competition’s rules across almost a decade. He said it also justified the league’s decision to bring the case.
City have rejected the accusations and insist they possess extensive evidence supporting their position. The club said it will continue to fight in every appropriate legal and regulatory forum.
The IFR said it will take league findings into account when considering potential action against individuals, while its stated role is to protect the sustainability, honesty and integrity of English football. Kogan added that a swift resolution would be in supporters’ interests.
What happens next is City’s appeal deadline on Friday. The club are expected to challenge what they regard as material mistakes in the commission’s ruling, while the scale of any historic punishment — including possible action involving ownership — remains unresolved.
