Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak released a statement insisting the club is innocent, despite reports they were found guilty on 114 financial rule breaches, including Roberto Mancini’s double contract. The Premier League club faces a range of potential punishments, from fines to having titles stripped, points deducted and a demotion, if they are found guilty of breaking the financial rules on a massive scale. The 115 charges were originally made in February 2023, including failure to provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
Der Spiegel's investigation revealed that Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini received a salary of £1.5m before tax from the club, but had another contract with sister club Al-Jazira worth £1.75m for consultancy fees, despite only working four days a year. This was for consultancy fees, even though it only involved four days of work per year. It is alleged this was a way of hiding the true extent of Mancini’s salary payment from the Premier League and UEFA financial checks. Manchester City's statement reiterated their position on the matter, stating that they will not give those who want to undermine the club that opportunity. The Premier League process remains subject to strict confidentiality.