Manchester City guilty on 114 of the Premier League’s 115 alleged financial-rule breaches, according to reports from The Athletic and The Times, marking a major development in the league’s long-running case against the club.
The Premier League has not made the commission’s written ruling public, nor commented, for the reasons of confidentiality. Meanwhile, Manchester City stated that the process is continuing and they anticipate taking an appeal to the reported findings.
In February 2023 the Premier League sent a report to an independent commission as a result of allegations made over a number of seasons. Charges include allegations the club did not furnish accurate financial information regarding revenue, income from sponsorships and operating expenses.
The other allegations are focussed on data on money wagered by players and managers and further charges are about violations of UEFA regulations and the Premier League’s financial sustainability rules. City is also accused of obstruction of the league’s investigation in the case.
The independent commission hearing started on September 16, 2024, and ended on December 6, 2024. The panel was selected by Premier League’s independent judicial system.
Since the charges were laid, City have been alleging that nothing has been done wrong and have stated they will oppose the reported finding. More elements of the Premier League process remain to be done, the club’s latest statement said.
At this point, there has been no announcement of any sanctions. Any possible sport or financial punishment would then be outside of the scope of the reported findings, and would be undecided.
The case has been of constant interest as it encompasses several years of Manchester City’s ascent to the heights of English football. The Abu Dhabi United Group took over ownership of the club in 2008 and City have eight Premier League championships to their name, as well as the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
