Soccer Gets Geopolitical As Abu Dhabi Threatens Britain Over Manchester City Case

Manchester City was found guilty by the English Premier League of breaking multiple financial rules, according to an independent commission’s conclusions covering nine years up to and including the 2017-18 season. The EPL said the Abu Dhabi-owned club used “sham” contracts, inflated commercial and sponsorship revenue, misstated accounts, and concealed the club’s true financial position from auditors and regulators, while trying to hinder the league’s investigation. City has officially appealed. If the ruling stands, sanctions could range from fines and points deductions to relegation. The case began after a 2018 document hack and, in 2023, City was formally charged by the EPL.