Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching the majority of the 115 financial rules brought against them by the Premier League, according to reports.
According to BBC Sport, sources familiar with the case confirmed that the independent panel has reached a decision. It found City guilty of most of the alleged breaches. The Athletic reported that the club was found guilty on all but one count.
However, the sanctions have not yet been decided, meaning City’s punishment remains unclear.
Premier League, City decline comment
The Premier League declined to comment on the reported verdict.
Manchester City also refused to confirm or deny the findings, saying the disciplinary process remains ongoing.
“The Premier League process remains ongoing with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” the club said.
City added that it had respected the process throughout the long-running case.
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence,” it said.
Other Premier League clubs are also believed to have been informed of the panel’s decision.
City expected to appeal verdict
BBC Sport reported that Manchester City are expected to appeal against the findings if formally found guilty.
The club has consistently denied wrongdoing and previously said its position was supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence.”
The Premier League charged City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation into their finances.
The allegations covered the period between 2009 and 2018. Meanwhile, the closed-door hearing began in September 2024 and lasted about 12 weeks.
What are the 114 charges?
The charges include 54 allegations that City failed to provide accurate financial information between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
Another 14 relate to alleged failures to provide accurate details concerning player and manager payments.
Five charges concern alleged breaches of UEFA rules, including Financial Fair Play regulations. Also, seven relate to the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
The remaining 35 charges concern City’s alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League investigation between December 2018 and February 2023.
City won eight trophies during the period covered by the case. These included three Premier League titles, three League Cups, an FA Cup and a Community Shield.
Sanctions still unknown
No punishment has yet been announced following the reported findings.
The independent commission has the power to impose a range of sanctions. This depends on the breaches established and the circumstances surrounding them.
With City expected to appeal, the case could continue despite the panel reaching its initial decision.
The reported verdict marks the biggest development yet in one of the most significant disciplinary cases in Premier League history.
