Man City FFP: Cityzens ‘more likely’ to be ‘found guilty’ of one ‘issue’ as finance expert gives verdict

As the dust begins to settle on a thrilling 2024/25 campaign, Manchester City now find themselves embroiled in a far more serious off-pitch battle—one that could have massive implications on their future in English and European football. The issue? Financial Fair Play (FFP). Once considered the model for modern footballing success, City now face a potential reckoning that could fundamentally alter the club’s trajectory.

With an astounding 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League, the club’s compliance with financial regulations has come under intense scrutiny. These charges span a period of more than a decade and involve allegations of financial misrepresentation, inaccurate disclosures, and obstructing investigations. Although City remain steadfast in their denial of wrongdoing, the cloud hanging over them grows darker by the day.

This week, a leading football finance expert offered a sobering assessment of City’s situation, claiming that the reigning English champions are “more likely” to be “found guilty” of at least one major issue. The expert emphasized that while City might be cleared of certain individual charges, the sheer number and scale of the allegations significantly raise the probability of some form of culpability being established.

The expert pointed out that the most plausible area where City could be found guilty lies in their alleged failure to cooperate fully with Premier League investigators. While accounting discrepancies and financial disclosures are complex and often disputable in nature, non-cooperation is much simpler to prove—and harder to excuse.

“Obstruction of an investigation is the clearest breach,” he said. “If a club has failed to submit documentation or deliberately delayed proceedings, that is far more difficult to defend than accounting errors or valuation debates.”

Manchester City have publicly denied all wrongdoing and stated that they welcome the chance to clear their name in an independent hearing. But with an FFP investigation of this magnitude, the process is anything but swift. Legal wrangling, evidence compilation, and tribunal hearings could extend the situation well into 2026, leaving a long shadow over the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

The Premier League, for its part, has stayed largely silent on the case, maintaining a careful legal posture. However, the potential implications for the league are enormous. If City are found guilty of even a portion of the 115 charges, the Premier League will be expected to hand out significant punishments—not only to maintain the integrity of the competition but also to send a strong message to other clubs.

Speculation has ranged from fines and point deductions to more severe penalties like title stripping or even relegation. While the latter remains unlikely, the former two are very much in play, especially if the tribunal determines that City benefited unfairly in any of their title-winning campaigns.

One of the more contentious elements is whether Manchester City allegedly misrepresented sponsorship revenues. Reports suggest that the Premier League is examining whether the club inflated commercial income from companies linked to their Abu Dhabi ownership group. If proven, this could constitute a serious breach of FFP rules and provide a clear motive for circumventing spending limits.

Such allegations, if substantiated, could call into question the legitimacy of some of City’s recent domestic dominance. Since Pep Guardiola took over in 2016, the club has enjoyed unparalleled success in English football, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and a long-awaited Champions League trophy.

The timing of the investigation couldn’t be worse for City. The club is already grappling with significant changes on the pitch, with legendary players like Kevin De Bruyne leaving and others like Jack Grealish facing uncertain futures. The looming FFP case adds another layer of instability to what is shaping up to be a transformative period in City’s history.

Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola has remained publicly supportive of the club’s legal battle. In press conferences, he has reiterated his trust in City’s legal team and boardroom leadership, maintaining that his focus remains on footballing matters. However, insiders suggest the manager is privately frustrated by the ongoing saga, particularly given its potential to distract from team preparations and unsettle players.

The potential fallout extends beyond the first team. City’s expansive global network of clubs, including New York City FC and Girona, could also be affected, depending on how broad the ruling becomes. UEFA and FIFA will be watching closely, especially if any violations of their financial codes are unearthed during the Premier League’s investigation.

The scale of this case is unprecedented. Never before has a Premier League club faced such an extensive list of charges. The complexity of the allegations—ranging from hidden payments to improper sponsorship reporting—requires forensic financial analysis and legal expertise on both sides. The case is being likened to the football equivalent of a corporate fraud trial.

The footballing world, meanwhile, is watching with bated breath. Rival fans are vocal in their calls for justice, while City’s supporters remain resolute, backing the club and its leadership. Social media platforms are awash with debate, theories, and speculation, reflecting the polarizing nature of the case.

Some pundits argue that whatever the outcome, the Premier League must use this case to establish firmer regulatory guidelines. Many believe the existing FFP framework is too ambiguous and inconsistent, allowing well-funded clubs to exploit loopholes and outspend their competition.

Others see the investigation as a litmus test for the Premier League’s credibility. If the charges are proven and City escape with minimal punishment, it could undermine the league’s authority and embolden other clubs to flout regulations. On the flip side, overly harsh sanctions could be perceived as a political move or a punishment against foreign investment in English football.

Regardless of the verdict, the legacy of this case will endure. It has already sparked a broader conversation about financial governance in the sport. For Manchester City, a club that has redefined success in the modern era, the outcome could either vindicate years of ambition and innovation—or cast a permanent shadow over their achievements.

Until then, the Etihad faithful will continue to cheer their team, but with an air of uncertainty lingering in the stands. Football is, after all, a game of margins—on the pitch and, increasingly, in the boardroom.