German newspaper Der Spiegel accused Manchester City of paying a 'significant portion' of Roberto Mancini's compensation through a fictitious consultancy contract, alleging he earned more from Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira than as City manager. An independent panel found City guilty of all but one count of Premier League charges, though sanctions remain undetermined. City stated the Premier League process continues with confidential elements to be completed, adding they have respected due process for eight years.

Other Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking legal advice over potential compensation claims. City faced over 100 breaches of financial rules after a four-year investigation beginning in February 2023, with an independent commission hearing held behind closed doors from September 2024 for approximately 12 weeks.