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Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial rules charges brought against the club by the Premier League, marking a major development in one of the longest-running disciplinary cases in English football.
The verdict follows an independent panel’s examination of allegations dating back to 2009. The sanctions to be imposed on Manchester City have not yet been determined, while the club is expected to appeal the findings. Project reports
The verdict follows a lengthy investigation
The Premier League charged City in February 2023 after a multi-year investigation. The case involved alleged violations of the league’s financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, along with allegations that the club failed to cooperate with the league’s investigation.
The charges were initially presented publicly as 115, although reports later indicated that the total number of charges was later revised to 130. The figure of 115 has however remained the number most commonly associated with the case.
The independent commission’s hearing lasted 12 weeks and concluded in December 2024, but its decision was not made public for a considerable period. As recently as August 2026, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the verdict had taken longer than expected.
What is it about?
The allegations cover several areas of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
According to reports, 80 of the 115 charges involve alleged violations between 2009 and 2018, including requirements related to providing accurate financial information. A further 35 charges relate to the alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.
The case also touches on rules relating to player and management remuneration, sponsorship revenue and the financial information that clubs are required to provide to the League.
The investigation followed the publication of leaked documents in 2018, which brought renewed scrutiny into Manchester City’s finances and dealings. The Premier League subsequently launched its own investigation before formally charging the club in 2023.
The city has consistently denied any wrongdoing
Manchester City have consistently denied the allegations and rejected the allegations made against them.
According to the latest news, the club said that the Premier League trial is still ongoing and that significant elements of the case are still subject to confidentiality.
City also previously maintained that they expected the Premier League’s disciplinary process to operate independently and fairly, while maintaining their position that they had not breached the regulations as claimed.
The club is expected to appeal the verdict once the formal process allows them to do so, meaning Friday’s development may not represent the final stage in the long-running dispute.
Sanctions have not been decided
Despite the importance of the sentence, no punishment has yet been announced.
Possible sanctions under Premier League rules include fines and points deductions, while league regulations also provide for more severe measures, including suspension from playing league matches or expulsion from the competition.
However, such possibilities should not be treated as decisions already made. The independent commission is yet to announce the sanction and Manchester City retain the right to challenge the results through the applicable appeals process.
Any sanction will therefore constitute a separate phase of the proceeding.
Potential impact on Manchester City
The case attracted huge attention due to Manchester City’s success during the period covered by the allegations.
The club has won numerous Premier League titles since 2009 and became European champions for the first time in 2023. Any possible fine relating to historic breaches could therefore have implications beyond the club’s immediate financial position, depending on the nature and extent of the final decision.
Reports have raised the possibility of point deductions, fines and other sporting sanctions, but a final decision has not been made on what sanction, if any, will be imposed.
The appeal could prolong the case
Manchester City’s expected appeal means the dispute could continue even after the independent commission formally establishes sanctions.
The club’s legal appeal would be another stage in a case that has already taken several years to reach the verdict stage. Until the appeal process is exhausted or otherwise concluded, the ultimate consequences for Manchester City’s past and future participation in the Premier League will remain unresolved.
For now, the key development is that the independent commission has reportedly found the club guilty of 114 of the 115 charges, while the punishment and outcome of any appeal remain pending.
