Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against the club by the Premier League, according to a report by The Athletic.
The verdict was reached by an independent commission following a lengthy investigation into the club’s finances covering the period from 2009 to 2018. One of the 115 charges was dismissed.
The Premier League formally charged City in February 2023 after a four-year investigation into alleged breaches of its financial regulations. The case covers nine seasons and includes allegations relating to the accuracy of financial information and the club’s financial dealings.
Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained that they complied with the Premier League’s regulations.
A Manchester City spokesperson told The Athletic that the process was not yet complete, with significant elements of the case still outstanding.
“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” the spokesperson said, adding that the club’s position remained consistent with its statement of February 2023.
The club also said it had respected due process throughout the eight-year process and expected the Premier League board and executive to act as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator.
Manchester City are expected to appeal the commission’s findings.
The verdict does not immediately determine the punishment the club could face. Sanctions will be decided separately, while the appeals process could affect the final outcome.
The case is one of the most extensive disciplinary proceedings in Premier League history and has remained unresolved for several years.
The charges relate to a period during which City established themselves among the leading clubs in English football, winning multiple Premier League titles and other major honours.
Attention will now turn to the commission’s decision on sanctions and any subsequent appeal as the long-running financial case enters its next stage.