Man City found guilty of near-all 115 charges as former advisor warns of 'severe' punishment ahead

Manchester City have been found guilty of all but one of 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League, with the club expected to appeal the verdict and a sanctions process now set to begin.

The verdict, which emerged on Friday, leaves City facing potential punishments ranging from points deductions and title strippings to expulsion from the Premier League. The club have denied all wrongdoing throughout a legal process that, according to former City financial advisor Stefan Borson, may have cost both parties in excess of £100 million.

Borson, speaking to talkSPORT, was unsparing in his assessment of the club’s position. “They are in very, very serious trouble,” he said. “All hell is now going to break loose, as this is going to go on for weeks and weeks and weeks. It is going to be very hard for City to say anything or to contain the fallout from this scenario.”

Borson also warned that the independent commission’s written decision, expected to be published in full, would provide significant ammunition to those seeking to scrutinise the club and the individuals involved. “The decision itself will be scathing in terms of the club’s conduct, the conduct of individuals, the behaviour of individuals and the hearing itself in terms of their credibility,” he said. “There won’t be any hiding place when that decision is published.”

On the prospects of a successful appeal, Borson was equally blunt. “An appeal on the facts is highly unlikely to succeed,” he said. “To have to present that to an appeal that does not have the benefit of listening to the whole case all over again, in terms of witness evidence, seeing all the documentation again, it is going to be extremely difficult for City to overturn those factual findings.”

Borson noted that City’s own statement appeared to hint at a challenge based on the impartiality of the panel and the length of time taken to reach a verdict — avenues he suggested would face significant hurdles. A separate sanctions hearing, which will be held behind closed doors, is now expected to determine the extent of any punishment handed to the club.