By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 26 September 2026 

Manchester City are facing the next stage of a long-running Premier League financial case after reports said an independent commission found the club guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches brought against it.

The reported decision, which has not been publicly released in full, concerns allegations covering financial reporting, player and managerial remuneration, UEFA financial regulations and cooperation with the Premier League. Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and say the proceedings are still ongoing.

Manchester City Face Fallout After Reported 114-Charge Verdict

What has reportedly been decided?

Reports from The Athletic and The Times, cited by Reuters and other major outlets, say the independent commission found City guilty on all but one of the 115 charges.

The Premier League itself has not publicly confirmed the reported verdict, saying the proceedings are confidential. City also issued a statement saying that “significant elements” of the process remain to be completed.

That means the reported 114-charge finding should currently be described as a reported tribunal outcome rather than a publicly published final ruling.

Manchester City Hit by Reported Verdict in Premier League Finance Case

What are the allegations about?

The Premier League charged City in February 2023 following a lengthy investigation.

The allegations cover several categories, including:

• Financial information: alleged failures to provide accurate information about revenues and operating costs.
• Player and manager payments: alleged failures to provide complete details of remuneration.
• UEFA financial rules: alleged breaches of European financial regulations.
• Profitability and Sustainability Rules: alleged breaches of Premier League financial requirements.
• Cooperation: allegations that City failed to cooperate with the league’s investigation.

The charges relate principally to the period beginning in the 2009-10 season, with the wider case extending into later seasons.

Manchester City face the next stage of a long-running Premier League financial case after reports that an independent commission upheld 114 of 115 alleged breaches.

City continue to deny wrongdoing

Manchester City have maintained throughout the proceedings that they did not commit the alleged breaches.

Following reports of the tribunal’s findings, the club said its position remained consistent with its February 2023 response and stressed that it had expected the Premier League’s process to be conducted independently and fairly.

The club is expected to appeal the findings, meaning the reported decision is not necessarily the final stage of the dispute.

Why the case has taken so long

The scale of the case is one reason the proceedings have attracted so much attention.

The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in 2023 after an investigation that had developed over several years. The formal hearing began on 16 September 2024 and concluded on 6 December 2024.

A three-person independent commission heard the case, examining a large volume of financial and contractual evidence.

The delay between the hearing and the reported findings reflects the unusually large number of allegations and the amount of evidence involved.

What penalties could Manchester City face?

No punishment has been announced.

Premier League rules give an independent commission a broad range of possible sanctions in financial-rule cases. Depending on the final findings and any subsequent appeal, potential measures can include financial penalties, points deductions, restrictions on player registration, suspension or, in the most serious circumstances, expulsion from the competition.

It would therefore be premature to say that City will receive any particular punishment.

The eventual sanction, if the findings survive an appeal, would depend on the commission’s detailed reasoning and the applicable Premier League rules.

Previous financial cases

The City proceedings are also significant because other Premier League clubs have previously received sporting penalties for financial breaches.

Everton received an aggregate eight-point deduction during the 2023-24 season following two separate Profitability and Sustainability Rules cases. Nottingham Forest received a four-point deduction in 2024 for a PSR breach.

Those cases do not establish what punishment City would receive, however. The allegations against City are considerably broader and cover a much longer period.

The UEFA case is separate

Manchester City’s current Premier League case should not be confused with an earlier UEFA financial case.

In 2020, UEFA imposed a two-year Champions League ban and a fine after finding City in breach of its financial regulations. The Court of Arbitration for Sport later overturned the European competition ban and reduced the fine, with CAS finding that many of UEFA’s allegations were either not established or were time-barred.

The current Premier League proceedings are separate and operate under Premier League rules.

What happens now?

The next major stages are expected to involve:

1. Publication or disclosure of the commission’s detailed findings, subject to the confidentiality rules governing the case.
2. Determination of sanctions, if the reported findings stand.
3. Manchester City’s expected appeal.
4. Further consideration of the case before any sporting penalties become definitive.

The appeal process means the reported findings do not necessarily mark the end of the dispute.

Independent assessment

The key distinction at this stage is between what has been reported and what has been officially published.

Multiple major outlets report that Manchester City were found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges. Reuters has independently reported those claims while noting that the Premier League has declined to comment and that City say the process remains ongoing.

Consequently, the most accurate description for now is that Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of almost all the alleged breaches, but the legal and disciplinary process is not yet complete.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 26 September 2026 

The Ghana coach questioned why VAR was not available during the qualifier after a second-half penalty awarded to Côte d’Ivoire became one of the central talking points of the match.

Queiroz Questions VAR Absence After Ghana Defeat

Penalty becomes major talking point

Côte d’Ivoire led 1–0 when referee Mustapha Ghorbal awarded a penalty after Ghana midfielder Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was judged to have fouled Ivorian forward Malick Yalcouyé inside the penalty area.

Captain Franck Kessié converted the spot-kick, giving the hosts a 2–0 advantage. Ghana subsequently failed to find a way back into the match.

Queiroz said after the match that he had reviewed the incident on television and strongly disagreed with the decision.

“That penalty is a joke,”

he said, while stressing that his criticism was directed at the officiating rather than Côte d’Ivoire’s players.

Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Clash Sparks Fresh VAR Debate

Queiroz questions VAR’s absence

The disputed call prompted the Ghana coach to question the wider officiating system.

Queiroz asked why VAR was not being used in AFCON qualifying matches and argued that the technology could provide referees with additional assistance in potentially decisive incidents.

“Why don’t we have VAR in Africa?”

he asked during his post-match press conference.

His argument comes as CAF continues to expand its VAR-related training programmes. CAF’s 2024–25 activity report says more than 100 referees and other officials have received VAR-related training, while the organisation has outlined plans to expand live VAR coverage across additional CAF competitions and qualifiers.

VAR is already part of AFCON’s tournament system

The debate is not about whether VAR exists in African football generally.

CAF has already used VAR in major competitions. Research published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living notes that VAR was introduced at AFCON and was used throughout the 2023 tournament after earlier implementation was more limited.

The current issue is its availability during the qualifying stage.

CAF’s official schedule confirms that the 2027 AFCON qualifying group stage began on September 24, with Ghana’s Group C meeting against Côte d’Ivoire among the opening fixtures.

What the research says about VAR

The wider debate is more complicated than simply assuming that VAR eliminates controversial decisions.

A 2026 study examining AFCON matches before and after VAR’s introduction found significant reductions in fouls and offsides, while playing time increased. The study also found increases in penalties, goals and cards, although those latter changes were not statistically significant in the sample.

The technology can therefore provide referees with another mechanism for reviewing potentially decisive incidents, but it does not eliminate disagreements over interpretation.

A VAR official must still determine whether an incident meets the criteria for review and whether the available video evidence warrants changing the referee’s original decision.

Ghana’s difficult opening

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from its opening Group C match.

Côte d’Ivoire took the lead shortly before half-time through Yalcouyé before Kessié’s penalty doubled the advantage in the second half.

Ghana’s next qualifier is scheduled for September 29 in Accra, when the Black Stars face The Gambia. CAF’s official fixture list confirms the match as Ghana’s second Group C fixture.

Queiroz has also said he remains proud of his players’ response and insisted that the defeat should not be interpreted as criticism of Côte d’Ivoire’s performance. The Ghana coach specifically separated his concerns about the penalty from the quality of the Ivorian team.

The bigger question for African football

The controversy has shifted attention from one penalty decision to a broader question: should VAR be routinely available during AFCON qualifying matches?

Supporters of wider implementation can point to the technology’s ability to provide additional evidence in penalty, goal, red-card and mistaken-identity situations. At the same time, expanding VAR requires trained officials, suitable broadcast infrastructure, cameras and operational resources across venues.

CAF’s own activity report indicates that the organisation is continuing to increase the number of VAR-certified officials and expand the technology’s use across its competitions.

That means the discussion following Ghana’s defeat is occurring alongside an existing CAF effort to expand VAR capacity rather than in isolation.

Independent assessment

The penalty remains a matter of interpretation surrounding the referee’s decision; Queiroz’s description of it as a “joke” is his assessment, not an independently established finding.

The verifiable issue is that Ghana did not have VAR available to review the incident, and the decision contributed to a 2–0 result that sparked renewed discussion about technology and officiating in AFCON qualifying.

CAF’s ongoing investment in VAR training suggests that the technology is expanding within African football, while the question of how broadly and consistently it should be deployed remains part of the competition’s officiating debate.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | Football | AFCON 2027 Qualifiers | 25 September 2026

Ghana’s Black Stars opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2–0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, 24 September. Goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié gave the hosts all three points in the Group C encounter.

The result leaves Ghana without a point from its opening fixture and places additional importance on the team’s next qualifier against The Gambia in Accra on 29 September.

Black Stars Begin AFCON Campaign with Defeat

Yalcouyé and Kessié settle the contest

Côte d’Ivoire controlled significant periods of the match, while Ghana adopted a cautious approach and struggled to create sustained attacking pressure.

Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring shortly before half-time with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area. The goal came after Ghana failed to close down the Ivorian midfielder quickly enough.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the second half when a penalty was awarded following a challenge involving Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Yalcouyé. Captain Franck Kessié converted the spot kick to make it 2–0. Ghana disputed the decision, according to reports.

Ghana made several substitutions in an attempt to change the match, but the Black Stars could not produce a comeback. The Ghana Football Association reported that the team continued to push forward, with late opportunities failing to change the result.

Ghana Must Respond Against The Gambia

Black Stars player ratings

Player ratings are editorial assessments rather than official match statistics. Different publications gave players varying scores, so the figures below are based primarily on the published assessments from KPDONLINE.NET and other Ghanaian football outlets.

Player	Assessment
Lawrence Ati-Zigi	Faced a difficult evening and was unable to prevent either goal.
Kojo Oppong Peprah	Had problems progressing the ball and dealing with Côte d’Ivoire’s wide threat.
Alexander Djiku	Provided defensive leadership and was described as one of Ghana’s more stable defenders.
Jerome Opoku	Competed well in some defensive duels but faced pressure from the Ivorian attack.
Gideon Mensah	Experienced difficulties in the first half but improved after the interval.
Kwasi Sibo	Received one of the lowest ratings from some outlets after struggling to influence midfield and close down the opening goal.
Caleb Yirenkyi	Was unable to consistently disrupt Côte d’Ivoire’s midfield control.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku	Was isolated for long periods and conceded the penalty that led to the second goal.
Christopher Bonsu Baah	Showed energy early on but had limited attacking impact as the match progressed.
Ernest Nuamah	Ghana’s more threatening attacking player, including an effort that struck the post.
Brandon Thomas-Asante	Struggled to influence the match while operating between midfield and attack.
Augustine Boakye	Introduced from the bench and showed forward intent, but had limited time and possession to change the result.

Yalcouyé Breaks Ghana’s Resistance Before Half-Time

Sibo’s performance attracts criticism

Kwasi Sibo was singled out by some match-rating reports for his performance in central midfield. KPDONLINE.NET gave him a rating of 2/10, while other outlets assessed him more favourably, giving him around 4/10 or 5/10.

The main criticism concerned his involvement in the build-up to Yalcouyé’s opening goal, Ghana’s difficulty retaining possession and the midfield’s inability to consistently protect the defence.

These assessments should be read in the context of a wider team performance: Côte d’Ivoire held the initiative for long stretches, and Ghana struggled to connect its midfield with the forward line.

Boakye provides energy after coming on

Augustine Boakye was introduced during the second half as Ghana searched for a way back into the game.

According to the published ratings from PapaLinc, Boakye showed attacking intent during his 26 minutes on the pitch and created promising situations. However, the limited time available and Ghana’s lack of sustained possession restricted his influence.

His introduction also reflected the coaching staff’s attempt to add creativity after Côte d’Ivoire had established a two-goal advantage.

Ghana’s attacking difficulties

The Black Stars struggled to produce clear opportunities, despite showing more attacking intent after half-time.

Ernest Nuamah came close to scoring in the first half when his effort hit the post. Later, Ghana’s substitutes attempted to add urgency, but the Ivorian defence remained sufficiently organised to protect its lead.

The defeat raises questions about Ghana’s ability to maintain possession, create chances against organised opposition and respond after conceding the first goal. These are performance areas the team will need to address before its next qualifying match.

What comes next for Ghana?

Ghana is scheduled to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September 2026. The match provides the Black Stars with an opportunity to collect their first points in Group C, although the team will need a stronger attacking performance after the defeat in Bouaké.

The Gambia fixture is particularly significant because Ghana began the qualification campaign without a point, while Côte d’Ivoire secured an early advantage with its home victory.

Independent assessment

Ghana’s defeat was shaped by Côte d’Ivoire’s greater control of the match, two decisive moments in front of goal and the Black Stars’ limited attacking output. Sibo’s individual performance attracted criticism from some rating outlets, but the result cannot be attributed to one player alone.

The next match against The Gambia will offer a clearer indication of how Carlos Queiroz’s team responds to the setback and whether the coaching staff can improve the midfield balance and attacking coordination.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 25, 2026

“Queiroz Backs Black Stars to Bounce Back in Accra”

Queiroz backs Ghana to level the rivalry

Speaking after the match, Queiroz said:

“When Ivory Coast comes to Ghana, with all due respect, it will be our turn to win.”

He added that, based on the head-to-head record he cited, the score between the two countries would become level after the return encounter.

“So the score, as you said now, is 16–15, right? So in a couple of months it will be 16–16. I have no doubt about that, that we are going to win that game.”

The coach’s statement was a confident prediction about a future fixture, rather than a confirmed result. The outcome will depend on the teams’ form, preparation and performance when the match is played.

“Accra Awaits Ghana’s Response in Return Fixture”

Côte d’Ivoire makes winning start

Côte d’Ivoire secured a 2–0 victory in Bouaké, with Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié scoring for the hosts.

The result put Ghana at the bottom of Group C after the opening round of matches and increased the importance of the Black Stars’ upcoming fixtures.

The defeat was also Queiroz’s first competitive match since returning for a second spell as Ghana’s head coach. Ghana is seeking to qualify for the 2027 AFCON after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco—its first absence from the finals in more than two decades, according to local reports.

“Black Stars Turn Attention to Crucial Gambia Clash”

Ghana’s immediate focus shifts to The Gambia

Before Ghana faces Côte d’Ivoire again, the Black Stars are scheduled to host The Gambia on Tuesday, 29 September, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The fixture gives Ghana an opportunity to pursue its first points of the qualifying campaign and address the problems exposed in the opening defeat. However, the team’s position in the group will depend on results across the other matches as well.

A difficult opening against the Elephants

Reports from the match indicated that Côte d’Ivoire controlled important periods of the contest, while Ghana struggled to create sufficient attacking opportunities.

The opening defeat leaves Queiroz and his technical team with several areas to assess, including Ghana’s attacking efficiency, defensive organisation and ability to maintain control against strong opposition.

The coach’s confidence about the return leg does not remove the need for Ghana to improve its performances in the matches leading up to that encounter.

What the result means for Ghana’s qualification campaign

The opening result places greater importance on Ghana’s next matches. Winning against The Gambia would provide an opportunity to begin recovering from the defeat, although the overall qualification picture will develop over several rounds.

Independent assessment

Queiroz’s remarks communicate confidence and are intended to reassure supporters after a disappointing start. Nevertheless, his prediction should be distinguished from the confirmed facts: Côte d’Ivoire won the first meeting 2–0, Ghana has yet to collect a point in Group C, and the return fixture remains in the future.

Ghana’s immediate challenge is to secure a positive result against The Gambia while using the intervening period to improve before facing Côte d’Ivoire again.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 25, 2026

The 20-year-old received a second yellow card after using the corner flag to imitate a firearm during his celebration, leaving Israel with 10 players for the remainder of the match. The incident became a major talking point in a game that Austria eventually won with two late goals.

Goal celebration leads to dismissal

Abu Farchi scored in the 55th minute, heading Israel level after Austria had taken the lead through Romano Schmid’s first-half penalty.

After scoring, the Israeli forward ran toward the corner flag, picked it up and performed a gesture that appeared to imitate firing a gun.

The referee had booked Abu Farchi four minutes earlier. His celebration resulted in a second yellow card, automatically triggering a red card and reducing Israel to 10 players.

Match timeline

Austria takes advantage of numerical advantage

Israel’s dismissal left the team with one fewer player during the closing stages of the match.

Austria regained the lead in the 90th minute when Phillipp Mwene finished following a cross from Paul Wanner. Sasa Kalajdzic then added a third goal during stoppage time, securing a 3–1 victory for the home side.

The timing of the red card made the incident particularly significant: Israel had recovered from an early deficit and reached parity before losing a player because of the celebration.

Why the celebration attracted attention

Football referees can issue yellow cards for inappropriate or provocative goal celebrations. In this case, Abu Farchi’s use of the corner flag and firearm-like gesture led to a second booking.

The available reports describe the action and its disciplinary consequence, but do not establish the player’s precise intention beyond the gesture itself. It is therefore important to distinguish the observable conduct from assumptions about what the player meant by it.

The incident also occurred amid heightened international debate over Israel’s participation in football competitions, including calls from some groups for the country’s exclusion because of the war in Gaza. The broader political context was reported alongside the match, but it should not be treated as proof of the player’s personal motivation for the celebration.

Broader context surrounding Israel’s participation

The match comes during continuing international controversy over Israel’s participation in sporting events.

Some organisations and campaigners have called for Israel to be suspended from international competitions over the Gaza conflict. The Israel Football Association has faced disputes with football officials and organisations over the issue.

The Abu Farchi incident was a disciplinary event during a football match. Any connection between the celebration and the wider political debate would require direct evidence of the player’s intentions, which is not established in the reports reviewed.

Independent assessment

Abu Farchi’s goal briefly brought Israel back into the match, but his subsequent dismissal changed the team’s circumstances during the final stages. Austria eventually capitalised with two late goals.

The incident illustrates how a goal celebration can carry sporting consequences when it is judged to violate disciplinary standards. It also demonstrates the importance of separating the referee’s documented decision from speculation about the player’s motives.

The confirmed facts are that Abu Farchi scored, performed a gun-like celebration using the corner flag, received a second yellow card and was sent off as Israel lost 3–1 to Austria.