Manchester City warned by football regulator after 115-breach ruling

Manchester City have been warned that the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) could examine whether the club’s owners, directors and senior executives are suitable to hold their positions after the club was found guilty of 115 financial breaches.

IFR chairman David Kogan said the findings of the independent commission raised “very serious questions” and confirmed that the regulator could use its powers if clear evidence of misconduct by individuals emerged.

The regulator’s responsibility is to protect the sustainability, integrity and stability of English football. Its powers include assessing the conduct and financial circumstances of club owners and executives to establish whether they pose a risk to the integrity of competitions.

“The independent commission’s judgment raises very serious questions,” Kogan said in a statement published by Spanish newspaper Marca.

“We have the power to assess the suitability of club owners, directors and senior executives, and we will use that power when appropriate, in the interests of protecting the sustainability, integrity and stability of English football, if there is clear evidence of misconduct by individuals.”

Kogan said the IFR could also take account of the work already carried out by the Premier League in its investigation into Manchester City.

“This includes taking into account what the Premier League has investigated,” he added. “However, given that the proceedings between Manchester City and the Premier League are still ongoing, we will wait for further developments. We hope the matter will be resolved soon for the fans.”

The IFR was established after the announcement of the European Super League project, with the aim of helping prevent similar crises from happening again. Protecting English football is central to its role, including evaluating the behaviour and financial position of those who control clubs.

Manchester City maintain their position

Manchester City have until next Friday to appeal against the independent commission’s ruling. The club continues to deny the allegations and says it possesses conclusive evidence to support its position.

Chief executive Ferran Soriano previously described the entire case as being based on a “false accusation”. He also accused the Premier League of relying on “conspiracy theories”.

The regulator’s warning comes while the legal process between Manchester City and the Premier League remains active. Any potential action concerning the suitability of the club’s owners or officials will therefore depend on further developments and the final outcome of the case.