Manchester City could face renewed scrutiny over its finances, as an increasing number of English football executives urge the Premier League to consider investigating the club's activities in seasons following 2018. The debate has emerged while the club is appealing a verdict in which it was found guilty of 114 breaches of financial regulations.

The central question concerns whether the financial arrangements examined in the original case continued after 2018. The independent commission's findings described sponsorship agreements involving the club and Abu Dhabi-based companies as inflated through disguised owner investment. Some executives are now asking whether the same relationships and practices remained in place in subsequent seasons.

A key element of the commission's decision was its finding that Manchester City and certain Abu Dhabi-based sponsors were related parties. Those questioning the period after 2018 argue that, if the relationships remained unchanged, the club's reporting of sponsorship income and the assessment of those agreements against fair market value could warrant further examination.

The original investigation was prompted by leaked emails published by Der Spiegel in November 2018, covering the period from 2009 to 2018. The possibility of examining later seasons has gained attention as the football authorities and clubs await the outcome of the current proceedings and the expected sanctions.

There is also uncertainty over the possible consequences of the existing case. Some believe the independent commission could recommend stripping City of league titles won in 2012, 2014 and 2018, although the article describes this possibility as unlikely. Any such decision could intensify questions about the club's subsequent period of success under manager Pep Guardiola.

From the 2017-18 title-winning season onward, City established one of the most successful periods in Premier League history, including four consecutive league titles, a domestic treble and the 2022-23 campaign in which the club won the Champions League as part of a treble.

Why is another investigation controversial?

The debate has exposed differing views among football executives. Supporters of further scrutiny believe the findings of the existing case raise legitimate questions about the years after 2018. Others argue that the league should allow the current proceedings and appeal to conclude before considering another lengthy investigation.

There are also doubts about whether sufficient evidence exists to justify a new case without material comparable to the leaked emails that triggered the original inquiry. Some believe that, if the current verdict is upheld and meaningful sporting sanctions are imposed, a separate investigation may not be necessary.

Another perspective is that the possibility of further scrutiny could serve as a negotiating tool when the league and the club discuss sanctions. Some executives believe that the prospect of avoiding another investigation could become relevant if Manchester City faces a forced or voluntary sale, since prolonged uncertainty and the possibility of additional penalties could discourage potential buyers.

However, others warn that launching another inquiry could extend the dispute for years and make it harder for the Premier League to bring the controversial case to a conclusion.

For now, Manchester City continues to maintain its innocence and pursue its appeal. The league's position, as described in the report, has been to avoid discussing the matter publicly while the legal process remains unresolved .