# Manchester City Scandal Ends Sportswashing

> Premier League club Manchester City found guilty of $1bn financial misconduct threatens global sportswashing deals.
- Title: Manchester City Scandal Ends Sportswashing · MoneyWeek
- Summary: Premier League club Manchester City found guilty of $1bn financial misconduct threatens global sportswashing deals. Manchester City's $1bn financial…
- Keywords: manchester city, premier league, sportswashing, financial misconduct, u.a.e, liverpool, qatar, saudi arabia, formula one, Manchester, City, Scandal
- Source: MoneyWeek — https://moneyweek.com/economy/global-economy/manchester-city-scandal-and-sportswashing
- Published: 2026-10-10T08:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: manchester city, premier league, sportswashing, financial misconduct, u.a.e, liverpool, f1, qatar, saudi arabia, formula one
## Manchester City found guilty
Manchester City football club has been found guilty of serious financial misconduct by an independent commission appointed by the Premier League.
## Artificially inflated revenues
The panel found that the club artificially inflated its revenues by at least $1 billion with sham contracts designed to get around the rules.
## Oil-rich owners' financial power
Manchester City was using the financial firepower of its oil-rich owners in the United Arab Emirates to outspend rivals.
## Sportswashing under threat
Sportswashing, engaging with high-level sport to spruce up a country's reputation, is now under threat.
## Global sportswashing examples
Saudi Arabia invested heavily in LIV golf, Qatar spent billions hosting the 2022 World Cup, Russia hosted the 2.018 tournament.
## Image tarnished beyond repair
Manchester City's image has been tarnished beyond repair, with no one blaming players or manager for the scandal.
## Sportswashing consequences
Countries will be more cautious about backing major global events, risking financial loss and reputational damage.
## Key takeaway

Manchester City's $1bn financial misconduct verdict undermines sportswashing by foreign states using sports for reputation gains.