Manchester City ruling raises concerns over UAE investment

A Premier League commission found Manchester City responsible for most or all of 115 alleged financial-rule breaches, prompting the club to appeal and deny wrongdoing. The ruling has also raised concerns about future investment from the United Arab Emirates, according to reports citing unnamed officials, though no formal decision to withdraw funds has been established. The commission’s findings, published September 29, covered conduct during seasons from 2009-10 to 2017-18. Reports describe the club as having been found guilty of all but one charge or of all charges, and say the findings included artificially inflating financial results by more than £900 million. Dollar equivalents differ across accounts. Manchester City has appealed, and the Premier League has not announced sanctions. Possible penalties reported include a points deduction, a fine or expulsion from the league. Unnamed Emirati officials reportedly warned the UK government that the severity of the ruling could reduce the UAE’s appetite for future major commitments in Britain.