FA considers next steps after Manchester City found guilty of financial breaches

The Football Association says it is examining the implications of Manchester City’s guilty verdict in the Premier League financial regulations case and will take action if necessary.

In a statement issued on Friday, the FA said the independent commission’s ruling raised important questions about the integrity of the game.

“We are carefully considering the decision and its implications, and will take appropriate action where necessary,” the governing body said.

The statement followed confirmation that Manchester City had been found guilty of all charges relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

Manchester City continues to deny any wrongdoing. The club has until Friday to appeal the decision.

The FA added: “Given that proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City are still ongoing, we do not intend to make any further comment at this stage, but we will continue to monitor developments closely.”

Abu Dhabi funding central to expected appeal

Sources told BBC Sport that Manchester City is expected to argue in its appeal that its major sponsorship agreements were funded by the Abu Dhabi government, rather than by the club’s owners.

The independent commission’s findings said the club had entered into “sham contracts” with a number of commercial partners as part of an arrangement to conceal secret funding worth more than £830m.

The Premier League said Manchester City had “systematically breached the league’s rules over almost a decade”.

The case remains open while the next legal steps are considered. Attention will now turn to whether Manchester City lodges its expected appeal and whether the developments lead to any further action against the club.