Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching the majority of the Premier League’s financial rules in one of the biggest disciplinary cases in English football history.
According to BBC Sport, an independent panel has reached its decision after considering the charges brought against City following a four-year investigation.
The Athletic reported that the club was found guilty on all but one of the 115 counts originally brought against it.
However, sanctions have not yet been determined, meaning City’s punishment remains unclear.
City maintain innocence
Manchester City have not confirmed or denied the reported verdict but insist the disciplinary process is still ongoing.
“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 unchanged from when the charges were first announced in February 2023.
“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,” the statement said.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has also urged supporters not to rush to conclusions.
“While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed,” he said.
More than 100 charges brought against City
The Premier League accused Manchester City of breaching financial rules over several seasons between 2009 and 2018.
The case included allegations that the club failed to provide accurate financial information concerning revenue, sponsorship agreements and operating costs.
City were also accused of failing to provide accurate details of payments made to players and managers.
Other charges concerned compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules and the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
The club also faced allegations that it failed to fully cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.
Sanctions yet to be decided
The independent commission has yet to determine what punishment City could face.
Possible sanctions available under Premier League rules include financial penalties, points deductions or, in more serious circumstances, expulsion from the competition.
However, no punishment has been formally announced.
City are expected to appeal the findings, meaning the case could continue before any final sanctions take effect.
The Premier League has declined to publicly comment on the reported verdict because proceedings remain confidential.
The case dates back to an investigation opened in December 2018 before City were formally charged in February 2023.
