The Independent Football Regulator reacts to the news of Manchester City being found guilty of Premier League financial breaches
General view of Etihad Stadium during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland in Manchester, United Kingdom, on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
General view of Etihad Stadium during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland in Manchester, United Kingdom, on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View Image
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) says the decision of Manchester City's guilty verdict over Premier League financial breaches "raises serious issues" concerning the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners.
On Tuesday, a decision was published finding City guilty of virtually all of the 115 charges that were brought against them by the Premier League, with it revealed that the club had artificially inflated commercial revenue by around £830m between the years of 2009 and 2018.
City, who deny all charges, have vehemently pushed back on the verdict and will lodge an official appeal before Friday's deadline but chief executive Richard Masters said the eight-time winners of the competition had "systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade" in a statement published on Tuesday.
The prospect of Liverpool being retrospectively awarded the 2013/14 Premier League title and the 2016 League Cup has been broached among potential City punishments. Everton, meanwhile, would have been elevated into the either the Champions League or Europa League on five occasions between 2009 and 2018 had City been excluded from Europe.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) was created in July 2025 and was given the powers to take action against those who are deemed unfit directors and executives. And in a statement released on Wednesday, the IFR called for a swift resolution to the City saga, admitting it could use its powers where appropriate.
“The independent commission’s decision raises serious issues," read the statement.
"The IFR has powers to assess the suitability of owners, directors and executives and we will use these powers where appropriate, in the interests of protecting the sustainability, honesty and integrity of English football where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing by individuals.
"This includes taking account of findings made by the Leagues. However, as the proceedings remain ongoing between Manchester City and the Premier League we will await further developments. We hope it can be resolved quickly for the sake of fans. For now, we have no further comment.”
On Wednesday, former City boss Pep Guardiola rallied behind his former owners in an Instagram post, saying: "I want every single @ManCity fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo (Maresca) and you, our unique supporters.
"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
Liverpool will host league leaders City at Anfield after the international break on October 11.
Ensure our latest news and what's on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source. Click here to activate or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.