Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 Premier League financial regulation charges brought against the club, according to The Athletic and The Times.
The reported verdict, which emerged on Friday, has not yet resulted in any sanction, while City are expected to appeal the findings. The Premier League has declined to comment, saying the process is confidential.
The independent commission’s decision marks a major development in a case that has overshadowed English football for years.
Manchester City were referred to an independent commission by the Premier League in February 2023 over alleged financial breaches dating from the 2009-10 season. The club has consistently denied wrongdoing.
What are the charges against Manchester City?
The allegations include claims that City failed to provide accurate financial information, particularly regarding revenue, sponsorship income and operating costs.
The Premier League also accused the club of failing to provide accurate details of payments to players and coaches and of breaching financial sustainability rules.
The case followed an investigation into Manchester City’s financial affairs under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group, which acquired the club in 2008.
The allegations were also fuelled by leaked documents published by German outlet Der Spiegel in 2018.
The documents purportedly showed communications involving City executives over sponsorship arrangements with Abu Dhabi-linked companies, while other material alleged off-the-books payments to former manager Roberto Mancini through consultancy fees.
Manchester City has rejected the allegations.
Sanctions yet to be decided
No punishment has been announced following the reported findings.
Possible sanctions under the Premier League’s rules include a points deduction, financial penalties and potentially expulsion from the competition.
The club is expected to appeal, meaning the case is not yet at its final stage. Manchester City has also said the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality.
The reported findings could also have wider implications, with BBC Sport reporting that several Premier League clubs had already sought legal advice over potential compensation claims.
City’s trophy-laden era under scrutiny
Since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008, Manchester City have become one of English football’s most successful clubs.
The club have won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups and one Champions League during that period.
The reported verdict now places renewed focus on whether the club’s financial conduct affected its competitive advantage during its rise to the top of English football.
For now, however, the sanctions have yet to be determined and City’s expected appeal means the legal process remains ongoing.
