MANCHESTER: Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, according to multiple reports.
The independent panel has reached its verdict, but sanctions have not yet been decided. City are expected to appeal the findings.
The Premier League declined to comment, citing the confidential nature of the process.
Manchester City, meanwhile, said the case remains ongoing and that significant elements still need to be completed.
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” the club said.
City added that their position remains consistent with their statement from February 2023. The club has denied the allegations throughout the case.
Charges Date Back More Than a Decade
The Premier League charged City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
The allegations cover financial reporting and other regulatory matters dating back to the 2009-10 season.
Among the accusations were failures to provide accurate financial information about revenue and operating costs. Other allegations involved payments to players and managers, profitability and sustainability rules, and cooperation with the Premier League investigation.
The case went before an independent commission in September 2024. The hearing took place privately and lasted several weeks.
The long-awaited decision now moves the case towards its next stage, with the commission yet to determine the punishment.
City Face Possible Sanctions
The eventual sanctions could include fines or other sporting penalties.
A points deduction is among the possible punishments, while Premier League rules also allow for more severe sanctions in serious cases.
However, no punishment has been confirmed yet. City’s expected appeal could also extend the process further.
The verdict could have implications for Manchester City’s record during the period covered by the allegations.
City have won multiple Premier League titles during that period, including six under former manager Pep Guardiola after the Premier League investigation began.
Guardiola left the club in May after a decade in charge. During his tenure, City won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
City Maintain Their Position
Manchester City have continued to reject the allegations and say they have followed due process throughout the case.
Reports said Premier League clubs were informed of the decision during a shareholders’ meeting on Thursday.
City are now expected to challenge the verdict through the available appeal process.
For now, however, the independent panel’s findings do not include any confirmed points deduction, title removal or other sporting punishment.
The next major step will be the announcement of sanctions and the subsequent appeal process.
