Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of almost all the financial rule breaches brought against the club by the Premier League, with sanctions yet to be determined.
Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League.
Reports on Friday, September 25, said the independent commission overseeing the long-running case had reached its decision and found the reigning English giants guilty on all but one of the charges.
Reuters reported that The Athletic and The Times were among the publications reporting the verdict. However, the Premier League has yet to publicly release the commission’s final written decision. (Global Banking & Finance Review)
Manchester City respond to reports
Manchester City have not publicly confirmed the reported verdict.
The club said the Premier League proceedings remain ongoing, with important parts of the process still to be completed.
City have maintained their denial of wrongdoing throughout the case and are reportedly expected to appeal if the final decision goes against them.
Premier League disciplinary rules provide for an appeal process following decisions by an independent commission. (Premier League)
What are Manchester City’s 115 charges?
The Premier League charged Manchester City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation into the club’s financial affairs.
The allegations cover several seasons and include:
- 54 alleged breaches relating to the provision of accurate financial information.
- 14 relating to details of player and manager payments.
- Seven involving the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
- Five concerning compliance with UEFA financial regulations.
- 35 relating to alleged failures to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.
Manchester City have consistently denied the allegations.
An independent commission subsequently heard the case behind closed doors after proceedings began in September 2024.
What punishment could Manchester City face?
No sanction has yet been announced.
Premier League rules allow independent commissions to impose penalties including fines, points deductions and other sporting sanctions depending on the nature and severity of breaches. (Premier League)
Reports suggesting relegation or expulsion remain possibilities discussed by commentators rather than confirmed punishments.
Any sanction would therefore need to be announced through the official disciplinary process.
The case could also continue if Manchester City lodge an appeal against the commission’s decision.
The Premier League has previously said independent commission proceedings are confidential and that final decisions are made public when the disciplinary process reaches the appropriate stage. (Premier League)
For now, attention turns to the sanctions stage and whether Manchester City formally challenge the decision.
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