Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, in what would be the biggest regulatory verdict in the competition’s history. The outcome, first reported by The Athletic on 25 September, arrives more than three years after the charges were filed. No sanctions have yet been decided.
What Were the Charges?
The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in February 2023, alleging breaches between 2009 and 2018. The charges covered inaccurate financial reporting, undisclosed player and manager payments, breaches of profitability and sustainability rules, and UEFA financial regulations. A further 35 counts related to failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation. A three-person panel heard the case from September to December 2024.
The Premier League has declined to comment, saying the process is confidential, and has not published the ruling. City have maintained they have done nothing wrong, pointing to what they call a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence. The club says significant elements of the process remain to be completed and is expected to appeal.
What Sanctions Could City Face?
Under Premier League rules, punishments range from fines and points deductions to relegation and the annulment of previous titles. If an appeal fails, the independent panel will decide the penalty. Everton and Nottingham Forest have previously lost points, while Chelsea received only a financial penalty, but those cases involved offences of far smaller magnitude. The eventual punishment could also have wide-ranging effects on the current season.
For now, nothing changes on the pitch or in the record books. City’s success under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership has long been clouded by the case, and an appeal will likely prolong the uncertainty. English football faces a lengthy wait to learn the full consequences.