In February of 2023, when the Premier League announced that is was charging Manchester City with multiple breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, City released a statement which said: “ Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with. ”

“ The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. ”

“ As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all. ”

Today, the Premier League released the independent commission’s findings found that Manchester City were guilty of nearly all of the charges levelled against them. City’s ‘irrefutable evidence’ was in fact, refuted. From here, Manchester City’s resolve is about to be tested. All indications are that City will not bow down to the Premier League’s verdict.

The reaction of Manchester City to today’s verdict was fierce. Manchester City’s statement and a video that City CEO Ferran Soriano sent to City staff can be viewed below.

“ Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission, that has been published today. “

“ The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. The Club will therefore be relentless, and where necessary proactive, in any and all appropriate regulatory and legal forums. ”

“ The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements uncompleted. Manchester City FC will now pursue the appeal avenues open to it, on the basis that the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe.””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. ”