Arsene Wenger accused Man City of financial fraud 15 years ago

Arsene Wenger accused Man City of financial fraud 15 years ago

According to Vnexpress.

Background

Arsene Wenger, a former Arsenal coach, accused Man City of breaching financial discipline rules. His allegations have reignited the issue of financial transparency in the Premier League. Wenger's experience and his views on this subject are considered important.

Why it matters

Arsene Wenger's allegations raised awareness of financial discipline rules in the Premier League. The questions they raised also prompted other Premier League clubs to consider the importance of financial transparency. This matter has become an important discussion topic not only for Man City, but for the entire league.

Key Points

• Arsene Wenger accused Man City of financial fraud 15 years ago.
• Arsene Wenger accused Man City of breaching financial discipline rules in 2011, when he raised questions over its contract with Etihad Airways.
• Arsene Wenger made Man City a giant 15 years ago - Báo VnExpress Sports.

In the month of July 2011, Arsene Wenger, who was the coach of Arsenal at the time, accused Manchester City of violating financial discipline (FFP) rules. Wenger said Man City flouted the rule by signing a £400 million stadium sponsorship contract with Etihad Airways. At that time he had appealed to UEFA President Michel Platini to question the transparency of this contract. Wenger said, "This deal calls into question the legitimacy of the FFP. They are sending the message that they can circumvent the rules at any cost, which will lead to the complete failure of the FFP."

The former Arsenal manager also said that the value of sponsorship should be determined according to market value. He warned that if the value of contracts was increased two or three times, the rules would no longer make sense. He also noted that a year later, when Man City was acquired by Abu Dhabi United Group, Etihad Airways began sponsoring the club.

Initially, the Etihad Airways logo appeared on Man City's jersey. In July 2011, the parties signed a new 10-year contract worth a total of £400 million (about US$530 million). In return, Man City's stadium was named the Etihad. Whereas at the time Arsenal had a contract with Emirates Airlines worth £90 million in 2004.

Wenger also said, "Maybe we got into a very bad deal." Wenger left Arsenal in 2018 and now works as director of global football development at FIFA.

On 29 September 2026, an independent panel heard allegations against Man City of breaching financial regulations between 2009 and 2018. Man City overstated sponsorship income to £830.69 million (US$1.1 billion), while actual sponsorship was only £119.25 million. The panel found that Man City resorted to sponsorship contracts to conceal financial sources and present them as legitimate commercial relationships.

Recently, Etihad Airways issued a statement on the matter denying the allegations and saying that they were not contacted during the investigation. Etihad Airways also plans to seek legal advice to protect its position.

What will happen next

Man City could be investigated for breaching financial discipline rules following Arsene Wenger's allegations. If the investigation is found to be serious, it could set an example for other clubs in the Premier League. Apart from this, this statement of Wenger may also indicate the direction of making the rules of financial discipline more strict in future.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Arsene Wenger accuse Man City of financial fraud?

Arsene Wenger accused Manchester City of breaching financial discipline rules in July 2011.

Why did Arsene Wenger make allegations against Man City?

Wenger said Man City breached financial discipline rules by signing a £400 million stadium sponsorship contract with Etihad Airways.

Who confirmed Arsene Wenger's allegations?

Wenger had appealed to UEFA President Michel Platini to question the transparency of this contract.

Now when will the hearing be held on the allegations of violation of financial rules against Man City?

On 29 September 2026, an independent panel heard allegations against Man City of breaching financial regulations.

What changed at Man City after Arsene Wenger's allegations?

Wenger warned that if the value of contracts was increased, the financial

These discipline rules will have no meaning.

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