City found guilty of 114 breaches

An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of one hundred fourteen charges of breaching financial rules over nearly a decade, including use of sham contracts and schemes to disguise more than eight hundred thirty million pounds of funding.

“sham contracts and schemes to disguise more than £830m of funding”

PM defends City's Abu Dhabi owners

The prime minister was criticised this week for saying he would be really concerned if City's Abu Dhabi owners sold the club, crediting them with being a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester.

“a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester”

Downing Street issues clarifications

Downing Street was forced to issue two clarifications on Thursday, with a spokesperson insisting the guilty verdict against Manchester City is serious and that it is an ongoing independent process that must be allowed to run its course.

Liberal Democrats demand transparency

The Liberal Democrats have drafted a letter to the prime minister criticising his defence of City as extraordinary. Party spokesperson Anna Sabine said the prime minister's ties to Abu Dhabi United Group should be examined.

“extraordinary”

Burnham must disclose all meetings

Anna Sabine told the Guardian that Andy Burnham must publish details of every meeting and conversation with City Football Group, Abu Dhabi United Group or UAE government representatives, going back to his time as mayor, including any hospitality received.

“publish details of every meeting and conversation he has had with City Football Group, Abu Dhabi United Group or UAE government representatives”

Sabine questions the relationship

Sabine said football fans deserve to know the rules apply to everyone, however rich and powerful. When the prime minister leaps to the defence of a club's owners within hours of a verdict, people are entitled to ask what their relationship is.

“people are entitled to ask what their relationship is”

Former FA chairman warns of interference

Former City and FA chairman David Bernstein said he was concerned about the prime minister's comments, calling it something politicians should stay well away from. He told BBC Newsnight the independent regulator must perform without political interference.

“something that politicians should be seen to be staying well away from”

City lodges appeal against verdict

Manchester City confirmed on Friday they have lodged an appeal against the guilty verdict, claiming the commission's decision contained clear material errors of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe.

“clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe”