Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, marking a dramatic development in the long-running case that has overshadowed English football for more than three years.
The reported verdict, first revealed by The Athletic and subsequently reported by Reuters and other major outlets, comes after an independent commission heard the case between September and December 2024.
However, there is an important distinction at this stage: the Premier League has not officially published the commission's full ruling, and no punishment has yet been announced.
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The league has declined to comment, citing the confidential nature of the proceedings, while Manchester City has said the process is still ongoing and indicated that its position remains unchanged.
What Are The 115 Charges Against Manchester City?
The Premier League referred Manchester City to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation. The allegations cover different financial and regulatory obligations across multiple seasons.
According to the breakdown of the original case, the 115 charges comprised:
- 54 charges relating to allegedly inaccurate financial information between 2009-10 and 2017-18.
- 14 charges concerning allegedly inaccurate information about player and manager remuneration during the same period.
- 5 charges relating to alleged breaches of UEFA regulations, including Financial Fair Play rules.
- 7 charges concerning alleged breaches of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Regulations.
- 35 charges relating to alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation between 2018 and 2023.
The Premier League's original statement said the case included allegations that City failed to provide financial information giving a "true and fair view" of the club's financial position, including revenue, sponsorship income, related parties and operating costs.
Manchester City Maintain Their Position
City have consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the case. Following Friday's reports, the club again stressed that the process has not yet reached its conclusion.
"The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality," Manchester City said in a statement reported by Reuters.
"As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023."
The club also said it had respected due process and expected the Premier League's board and executive to act as an "independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator".
When the charges were originally brought in 2023, City said they welcomed the opportunity for an independent commission to consider what they described as a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" supporting their position.
No Punishment Has Been Decided Yet
The reported guilty findings do not mean that Manchester City have already been relegated, docked points or stripped of titles.
No sanction has been announced. Reports indicate that the case is now expected to move towards an appeal process, with the full reasoning behind the commission's findings and any subsequent punishment still to be established.
Possible sanctions have been widely discussed, including financial penalties and sporting consequences, but it would be premature to state that any particular punishment will be imposed.
From 2023 Charges To 2026 Verdict
The Premier League formally referred City to the independent commission on February 6, 2023. The hearing began on September 16, 2024, and concluded on December 6, 2024 after examining the extensive allegations.
The reported verdict arrived on September 25, 2026, more than three years after the charges were announced.
City are expected to appeal, meaning the next stage could determine whether the reported findings stand and, ultimately, what sporting or financial consequences follow.