Manchester City found guilty on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges

Manchester City have been found guilty on 114 of 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League, according to a report first published by The Athletic. The verdict follows a legal process that began in February 2023, when the seven-time English champions were charged with alleged breaches of the league’s spending rules spanning nearly a decade.

The charges include 54 allegations of failing to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information between 2009 and 2018, as well as 14 alleged breaches relating to inaccurate financial reporting on player and manager compensation during the same period — 115 charges in total.

No sanctions have been confirmed at this stage, and City are expected to appeal the ruling. Possible punishments range from reprimands and fines to points deductions or, in the most severe scenario, expulsion from the league.

A City spokesperson, quoted by The Athletic, said the Premier League process “remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.” The club added that it had “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.”

Neither Manchester City nor the Premier League have issued formal confirmation of the verdict, consistent with the confidentiality obligations that have surrounded the case throughout.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire had warned earlier this month of the gravity of the situation for all parties involved. “These charges are so serious that it is difficult to see how the board of Manchester City could survive if they lose the case,” Maguire said. “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 £100m.”

When the charges were first announced in February 2023, City said they were “surprised” by them and expressed confidence that an independent commission would find “irrefutable evidence” in support of their position. That position now faces its most significant test, with the appeal process set to determine what, if any, punishment the club ultimately receives.