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Premier League controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2026

    Premier League: Independent commission finds Manchester City guilty of financial rule breaches

    Ruling

    It was confirmed on Tuesday (29 September 2026) that an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, reported as 114 of the 115 charges, including artificially inflating revenue through "sham" sponsorship agreements with the help of its owners and using devices to disguise the true extent of certain club liabilities. The club has repeatedly denied guilt, claims the decision contains clear material errors, and has signalled an intent to lodge an appeal by Friday.

    Company response

    • Denial — Manchester City

      City have claimed the commission's decision contained "clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe".

    Source excerpt

    • The club were found to have artificially inflated revenue through "sham" sponsorship agreements with the help of their owners.
    • City have repeatedly denied guilt, and have signalled an intent to lodge an appeal by Friday.
    • The independent commission which studied the case found City "utilised devices" to "disguise the true extent of certain club liabilities".
    Source

  2. 2019

    Hawk-Eye apologizes for VAR graphic error

    Company response

    Hawk-Eye Innovations apologized to Tottenham and Watford fans after an incorrect graphic initially showed that Tottenham's goal had not been awarded during a Premier League match. The company said it would work with the league and match officials to identify the cause and propose measures to prevent a recurrence.

    Stated objective. ensure the error won't happen again

    Company response

    • Apology — Hawk-Eye Innovations

      Hawk-Eye apologises to Spurs and Watford fans for the confusion caused.

    • Investigation — Hawk-Eye Innovations

      We are working together with the Professional Game Match Officials Board [the body responsible for professional match officials in England] and the Premier League to understand the root cause of this problem and propose a series of measures to ensure it won't happen again.

    Source excerpt

    • Hawk-Eye apologises to Spurs and Watford fans for the confusion caused.
    • We are working together with the Professional Game Match Officials Board [the body responsible for professional match officials in England] and the Premier League to understand the root cause of this problem and propose a series of measures to ensure it won't happen again.
    • The company that provides the Premier League's video assistant referee (VAR) technology has apologised to Tottenham and Watford fans after an incorrect graphic was sent to the big screen during Saturday's 1-1 draw.
    Source