# Manchester City's Financial Scheme Exposed

> Premier League rules breached as City's hidden funding scheme revealed.
- Title: Manchester City's Financial Scheme Exposed · BBC Sport
- Summary: Premier League rules breached as City's hidden funding scheme revealed. Manchester City's owners hid £830m in sponsorship funds through fake contracts to…
- Keywords: manchester city, premier league, abu dhabi united group, disguised funding scheme, ufa financial fair play, project longbow, fordham arrangement, sports, Manchester, City's, Financial, Scheme
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c65y51l3gzq4o
- Published: 2026-09-29T20:58:17.207+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: manchester city, premier league, abu dhabi united group, disguised funding scheme, ufa financial fair play, project longbow, fordham arrangement, sports
## Sham Contracts Ruled
Manchester City found guilty of all financial rule breaches by Premier League.

> To cheat, trick, deceive, delude with false pretences; to impose upon, take in, hoax.
## Eight Times 'Sham' Used
The ruling mentions 'sham' eight times to describe City's financial deception.
## Abu Dhabi Owners Knew
City's owners knew from 2009-10 they would face major overspends to compete.
## Record Losses Expected
City faced record losses exceeding £140m in 2009-10 season.
## Disguised Funding Scheme
Sponsorship deals split into base fees and tagged sums paid by owners.
## £830m Hidden Funding
The scheme hid £830m in sponsorship funds while £90m in expenses were concealed.
## Project Longbow
City launched Project Longbow to boost revenue and reduce losses without breaking rules.
## Fordham Arrangement
Fordham was a front to hide £24.5m in funds from players' image rights.
## Hidden Player Contracts
City paid £8.866m, £7.4m, and £0.5m through third parties for contracts.
## Lied During Inquiry
City's witnesses provided false evidence to hide financial misconduct.
## Total Fraud Amount
The scheme hid £920.68m in financial misstatements across all methods.
## Key takeaway

Manchester City's owners hid £830m in sponsorship funds through fake contracts to avoid financial rules.