City Scandal Threatens Football Integrity

An independent panel concluded that Manchester City inflated their revenues by over 9 billion kroner through 'fictitious' sponsorship deals arranged by the club's owners. The decision, which found City guilty of 114 out of 115 charges of financial rule violations, shocked the football world last week. biznow.biz

The FA stated in a Friday statement: 'The independent commission's decision is of great significance for the integrity of the sport. We are now carefully evaluating the decision and its consequences, and will take appropriate action where necessary.' City has announced plans to appeal the decision before Friday's deadline. Possible sanctions range from fines and point deductions to expulsion from the Premier League.