Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Haaland Urges Manchester City Unity After Financial Charges Verdict
An independent commission found that Manchester City broke many Premier League financial rules.
One article says the commission found the club guilty on 114 of 115 charges.
City disagrees with the verdict and has appealed it.
The commission said sham business deals made the club’s finances look better between 2009 and 2018.
City could be punished, but the articles do not say what the punishment will be.
Erling Haaland asked the team and fans to stay positive and support one another.
City’s first game after the verdict is against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
City has won all five of its opening league games.
Erling Haaland urged Manchester City players and fans to stay positive and stick together after the club was found guilty of most of the Premier League charges.
An independent commission found City guilty on 114 of 115 charges, according to one article; City has appealed the verdict.
The commission said sham commercial contracts inflated revenue and cut costs by more than £900 million between 2009 and 2018.
City could face a severe points penalty or Premier League expulsion, but no sanction is reported as having been announced.
City’s first match after the verdict is against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday; the club has won its opening five league matches.
- Who
- Manchester City, including striker Erling Haaland, and the Premier League.
- What
- Haaland called for unity after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of most of the financial-rule charges; City has appealed.
- When
- The verdict was revealed in late September; City’s first match afterward is scheduled for Sunday.
- Where
- The upcoming match is at Anfield in Liverpool.
- Why
- The commission found that City breached Premier League financial rules; the club could face sporting sanctions.
Manchester City's response
Commission findings
Responsibility for the charges
Manchester City's response
City has appealed the verdict and has continued to claim innocence, according to one article. Haaland urged the team and fans to stay positive and stick together.
Commission findings
An independent commission found City guilty of most of the charges and said sham commercial contracts were used to inflate revenue and cut costs.
Potential consequences
Manchester City's response
City's stated focus, as described by manager Enzo Maresca, is on football; the club has appealed the verdict.
Commission findings
City could face a severe points penalty or expulsion from the Premier League, though the articles report no announced sanction.
- Commission finding
- One article says City was found guilty on 114 of 115 charges.
- Appeal
- Manchester City has appealed the verdict.
- Period examined
- 2009–2018.
- Financial findings
- The commission said sham commercial contracts inflated revenue and cut costs by more than £900 million.
- Possible sanctions
- A severe points penalty or expulsion from the Premier League; no sanction is reported as announced.
- Next match
- Manchester City is due to play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
- League record
- City had won its opening five Premier League matches and had 15 points.
