Man City braced for major financial blow after 115 charges verdict

Reports emerged on Friday claiming that Manchester City have been found guilty of alleged financial breaches

Manchester City could reportedly have to deal with the loss of millions of pounds in sponsorship deals if the guilty verdict for the alleged financial breaches stands. News emerged on Friday claiming that City had been found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges that had been brought against them by the Premier League.

City were first charged back in 2023, and three years later, a verdict has now emerged, but the club has always maintained their innocence and will now be expected to appeal the outcome of the case.

There will be a wait to discover the full extent of any punishment that City could be forced to deal with if the guilty verdict stands, with ramifications ranging from points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League, as well as past titles being removed.

A report in The Telegraph has now claimed that City face the risk of losing millions in sponsorship deals if the guilty verdict remains.

Some of City's sponsors are said to be currently "examining" deals in place with the club, in the event that relegation occurs as a result of the charges.

The report claims that some of City's sponsors may hold the right to renegotiate their deal if the club are relegated from the Premier League, which would likely result in a loss in revenue.

If City are relegated from the Premier League, it would also be likely that the club would not compete in the Champions League next season, which would also see the club miss out on the bonuses that come from competing in Europe’s elite cup competition.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak issued a statement on Saturday in response to the reports that the club had been found guilty of the charges, maintaining his confidence in the club's innocence.

"I have been part of this Club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul," he said. "This club matters to me, and you have shown and told me - time and time again - how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.

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"Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I.

"Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.

"There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.

"I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023. Every word matters and holds true.

"While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity.

"We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium - moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support."

City released a statement in response to the update on Friday, which read: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the Club’s statement of February 2023.

"The Club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."