Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial regulation charges brought against the club by the Premier League, according to a report by The Athletic.
The decision was reached by an independent commission, but the panel has not yet announced the punishment that will follow the verdict. City are expected to appeal the decision.
The charges stem from alleged breaches covering nine seasons, from 2009/10 to 2017/18.
The Premier League accused the club of providing inaccurate financial information and failing to fully disclose certain payments involving players and managers.
The case was formally referred to an independent commission in February 2023 after a lengthy Premier League investigation. The commission hearing took place between September and December 2024.
City, however, have rejected the latest development as a final resolution of the dispute.
The club said the proceedings remain ongoing and subject to confidentiality rules. It also maintained that it had followed due process throughout the investigation.
City’s case centres on financial reporting, sponsorship-related information, remuneration and compliance with financial regulations during the period under review.
The potential consequences remain unclear because the commission has yet to determine the appropriate sanction. Premier League rules allow for a range of punishments, including fines, points deductions and other sporting sanctions.
A significant points deduction could have major implications for City’s position in the Premier League. However, any specific punishment at this stage would be speculative because the sanction has not been announced.
The financial case has cast a long shadow over City’s transformation into one of English football’s dominant clubs following the 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.
Since then, City have won eight Premier League titles and established themselves as regular contenders for major domestic and European honours.
The club’s reported verdict now sets the stage for another major legal battle, with an appeal expected to determine whether the findings and any subsequent punishment will stand.
For now, Manchester City’s immediate focus will be on challenging the decision while the football world awaits details of the commission’s eventual sanction.