Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty on 114 of the 115 financial charges levied against them by the Premier League following a landmark decision by an independent commission.
The verdict comes three-and-a-half years after the Premier League first charged the reigning champions in February 2023, alleging widespread breaches of its financial regulations over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
The charges also included failing to cooperate with the league’s extensive financial investigations.
During the period under scrutiny, City captured three Premier League titles, establishing themselves as the dominant force in English football following Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s 2008 takeover.
However, the club’s unprecedented success has long been overshadowed by the dark cloud of the investigation.
The verdict follows a confidential 12-week hearing before a three-person independent panel held between September and December 2024.
While City have maintained their innocence throughout and previously denied all wrongdoing, the commission has overwhelmingly ruled against the club.
Specific sanctions have not yet been determined, but City face a potentially devastating range of punishments, including record financial fines, severe points deductions, or ultimate expulsion from the Premier League.
City are expected to launch an immediate appeal against the decision.
More to follow …
