Share to ClassroomMan City Broke Money Rules, Reports Say
Manchester City, a famous English football club, has been found guilty of breaking the Premier League's money rules, according to reports. An independent group of experts, called a commission, is said to have found the club guilty on most of 115 charges. The Guardian newspaper said City were guilty on all but one. The decision is not official yet, and there is no punishment yet.
The story started in 2018. A German publication, Der Spiegel, shared secret emails said to be from City bosses. The emails suggested that the club's owners in Abu Dhabi had hidden their own money as sponsorship— money that companies pay to show their name. This made it look as if the club was following rules about how much money it could lose. City say they did nothing wrong. The club's chairman told fans he was sure City would prove they are innocent.
City could get a fine, lose points or even be removed from the Premier League. Some people want the club to lose its old titles. Tony Pulis, a former Stoke City manager, said he felt cheated because his team lost a cup final to City in 2011. Reports say other clubs are thinking about asking for money. But City will probably appeal, so the case could continue for a long time.
