Investigation launched into alleged City FFP breach

UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, has opened an official investigation into City for ‘potential breaches’ of financial fair play (FFP) rules.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued last night.

UEFA said a ‘formal investigation’ had been opened, adding that it would ‘focus on several alleged violations’.

The governing body said there would be no further comment issued while the investigation was ongoing.

UEFA has previously confirmed it was examining allegations relating to City made by a group of journalists calling themselves ‘Football Leaks’ and published in German newspaper Der Spiegel.

It was alleged the Blues had tried to bypass FFP rules by channelling funds through Abu Dhabi-based sponsors, most notably main backer Etihad Airways.

City responded to the UEFA move by saying allegations of financial irregularities are ‘entirely false’.

In their brief statement, UEFA said: “The Investigatory Chamber of the independent UEFA Club Financial Control Body has today opened a formal investigation into Manchester City FC for potential breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

“The investigation will focus on several alleged violations of FFP that were recently made public in various media outlets.

“UEFA will make no further comments on the matter while the investigation is ongoing.”

No further information was revealed.

The Financial Fair Play rules were introduced to try to make sure clubs were not spending more than they earned to guard against future financial difficulties and unpaid debts.

In response, the club issued a statement which said: “Manchester City welcomes the opening of a formal UEFA investigation as an opportunity to bring to an end the speculation resulting from the illegal hacking and out of context publication of City emails.

“The accusation of financial irregularities are entirely false.

“The club’s published accounts are full and complete and a matter of legal and regulatory record.”