Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of all but one of the 115 financial rule breaches brought against them by the Premier League, in a landmark development in the long-running case.
According to reports, an independent commission has reached its verdict and found City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges. The sanctions have not yet been determined, and the Premier League has not officially confirmed the reported findings.
Manchester City, meanwhile, said the process was still ongoing. In a statement, the club said there were “significant elements to be completed” and that the proceedings remained subject to strict confidentiality. The club has consistently denied the allegations and is expected to appeal the findings once the sanctions are determined.
The Premier League brought the charges against City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation into the club’s finances. The allegations cover a period from the 2009-10 season to 2017-18 and include claims that City failed to provide accurate financial information, including details relating to player and managerial payments.
The case also includes allegations concerning breaches of UEFA’s financial regulations, the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules and a failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation. Of the 115 charges, 54 relate to financial information, 14 to player and manager payments, five to UEFA rules, seven to PSR regulations and 35 to alleged failures to cooperate with the investigation.
The independent hearing began in September 2024 and concluded in December after around 12 weeks. The verdict has taken nearly two years to emerge, with the complexity of the case contributing to the lengthy process.
No punishment has yet been announced. Potential sanctions under Premier League rules could include financial penalties or sporting measures, but the eventual outcome will depend on the independent process and any subsequent appeal.
City have won eight Premier League titles since 2012, including three during the period covered by the charges. The reported verdict could therefore have significant implications for the club, although any sporting or financial sanctions remain undecided.
