Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 out of 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League, according to multiple reports on Friday, marking a seismic moment for one of English football’s most dominant clubs.
An independent commission ruled against the club on the vast majority of the allegations, which centred on breaches of financial regulations spanning the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons (with some elements extending later). The charges, originally filed in February 2023 after a multi-year investigation, included failing to provide accurate financial information, incomplete disclosure of player and manager compensation, breaches related to sponsorship revenues linked to the club’s Abu Dhabi ownership, and failures to cooperate fully with the inquiry.
No sanctions have been announced. Possible penalties under Premier League rules range from fines and points deductions to the stripping of titles or, in extreme cases, expulsion from the competition. The process is described as ongoing, with a separate sanctions phase still to come.
A Manchester City spokesperson said: “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 consistently denied wrongdoing and is widely expected to appeal the findings.
The Premier League has declined to comment, citing the confidential nature of the proceedings. The case first gained widespread attention following leaked documents published by Der Spiegel in 2018 that raised questions about the true nature of certain sponsorship deals and payments.During the period covered by many of the charges, City transformed from also-rans into serial winners, collecting multiple Premier League titles and other major trophies under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour. The verdict now places that success under fresh scrutiny and leaves rival clubs, fans and the wider football world waiting to see what punishment, if any, will ultimately be imposed.The independent hearing itself ran for several months in late 2024. Both sides have a window to appeal the liability decision once formalised, which could further delay any final resolution by months.For a club that has redefined success in the modern Premier League era, Friday’s reports represent the most serious challenge yet to its carefully built reputation and competitive standing.
