Manchester City have been found guilty on all but one of the 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League, according to The Athletic. The club were charged back in February 2023 over alleged breaches of the league's spending regulations, and the report says City have now been found guilty on 114 of those 115 counts.
City are expected to appeal the verdict, and no penalty has been determined at this stage. Neither the club nor the Premier League have officially confirmed the outcome, and with an appeal reportedly pending, the case is far from closed.
A City spokesperson told The Athletic: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
Back in 2023, City said they were "surprised" by the charges and stated the club "welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position," as reported by the Manchester Evening News at the time.
What City Are Accused Of
The charges against City include 54 counts of failing to provide accurate and current financial information between 2009 and 2018. The club also face 14 alleged violations for failing to submit precise financial reports regarding player and manager compensation across that same period.
Should City ultimately be deemed guilty once the process concludes, the Premier League has a range of possible sanctions available, running from a reprimand or fine right up to a points deduction or expulsion from the league.
Reaction From Inside and Outside the Club
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has previously suggested the stakes go well beyond the pitch. "These charges are so serious that it is difficult to see how the board of Manchester City could survive if they lose the case and it would be hugely embarrassing for the Premier League if they lose the case because the legal costs for both parties are probably in excess of £100 million ($132.5 million)," Maguire said.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak addressed the case back in May, making clear he was waiting for a final ruling before speaking freely. "Let me be as consistent as I've always been - until we have a ruling, I can't say much," he said. "Once we have a ruling, believe me, we're going to have a wonderful sit down together and I'll say everything I've wanted to say for the last three years."
