Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Lineker Urges Manchester City to Accept Rule-Breach Punishment
An independent group found that Manchester City broke more than 100 Premier League financial rules.
It said the club used contracts with business partners to make its income look higher and its costs lower.
The alleged conduct took place from 2009 to 2018.
Manchester City says it did nothing wrong and has appealed the decision.
The league has not decided on a punishment yet.
Possible punishments include losing points, paying a fine, or leaving the Premier League.
Gary Lineker says City should accept whatever punishment is given.
Kyle Walker said the players would still remember what they achieved, whatever happens.
An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of more than 100 Premier League financial rule breaches.
The commission said the club used sham commercial contracts from 2009 to 2018 to inflate revenue and reduce costs.
Manchester City denies wrongdoing and has appealed the judgment.
No sanction has been decided; possible penalties include a points deduction, a fine, or expulsion from the Premier League.
Gary Lineker urged City to accept any punishment, while former City player Kyle Walker said players would retain memories of their achievements.
- Who
- Manchester City, Gary Lineker, and former City player Kyle Walker.
- What
- An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of more than 100 Premier League financial rule breaches; the club appealed, and Lineker urged it to accept any punishment.
- When
- The reported breaches spanned 2009 to 2018. The article was published October 7, 2026.
- Where
- In the Premier League in England.
- Why
- The commission said sham commercial contracts were used to inflate revenues and reduce costs.
Calls to accept punishment
Denial and appeal
How City should respond
Calls to accept punishment
Gary Lineker said Manchester City should acknowledge the findings and accept whatever punishment is imposed for the good of the game.
Denial and appeal
Manchester City continues to deny wrongdoing and has appealed the commission's judgment.
The impact on past achievements
Calls to accept punishment
Lineker said the findings look bad for Manchester City and for football.
Denial and appeal
Kyle Walker said the players would keep their memories of their achievements, whatever happens, and noted the effort of players and travelling fans.
- Breaches found
- More than 100 Premier League financial rule breaches
- Period cited
- 2009–2018
- Commission finding
- Sham contracts with multiple commercial partners allegedly inflated revenues and reduced costs
- Manchester City's response
- The club denies wrongdoing and has appealed the judgment
- Possible penalties
- A significant points deduction, a fine, or expulsion from the Premier League
- Sanction status
- No sanction had been decided at the time of the report
- Gary Lineker's position
- He urged Manchester City to accept any punishment handed down