Man City spent £1.2bn on transfers during 'asterisk era' of financial breaches
UKPulse Sport Desk
Manchester City spent approximately £1.2 billion on new players between summer 2009 and January 2018, a period during which they were found guilty of breaching financial rules.
- Manchester City spent around £1.2 billion on new players from summer 2009 to January 2018.
- During this period, the club won seven major trophies, including three Premier League titles.
- A commission determined that £830 million was falsely added to the club's books by its owners under the guise of sponsorship income.
Manchester City spent approximately £1.2 billion on new players in transfer windows between summer 2009 and January 2018. This period, now referred to by some fans as the 'asterisk era', saw the club found guilty of charges brought by the Premier League three and a half years ago.
During this time, City secured seven major trophies: three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and three EFL Cups. A commission found that £830 million was falsely added to the club's financial accounts by its owners, disguised as sponsorship income.
The commission described the club's actions as a "concerted campaign to falsify" their financial accounts. It is suggested that City would not have been able to acquire the quantity and quality of players they did without this inflated financial power.
City has until Friday to appeal the verdict. The potential for retroactive stripping of honours and financial compensation for other clubs is being explored, with some clubs seeking legal advice.
Why this matters: The revelations have led to questions about the legitimacy of Manchester City's achievements between 2009 and 2018, and could impact the club's future in the Premier League.
What this means for you: If you are a football fan, the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's past achievements and potential future sanctions could affect how you view the integrity of the Premier League and its results.