Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against the club by the Premier League over alleged financial breaches, according to The Athletic.
The verdict was delivered by an independent commission following a lengthy investigation into the club’s finances between 2009 and 2018.
According to the report, the commission upheld 114 charges and dismissed one.
The Premier League launched the case against City in February 2023, following a four-year investigation into alleged breaches of its financial regulations.
The charges covered nine seasons and included allegations concerning the provision of accurate financial information and the club’s financial dealings.
City have consistently denied the allegations and maintained that they complied with the Premier League’s regulations.
Reacting to the verdict, a City spokesperson told The Athletic that the Premier League process remained ongoing and that significant elements of the case were yet to be completed.
“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 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,” the spokesperson said.
The Athletic reported that Manchester City are expected to appeal the commission’s decision.
The case is among the most extensive disciplinary proceedings in Premier League history and has been ongoing for several years.
The charges relate to a period during which City established themselves as one of the dominant forces in English football, winning multiple Premier League titles and other major trophies.
The commission’s findings do not immediately determine the sanctions the club could face. Any punishment is expected to be considered separately and could also be affected by the outcome of an appeal.
The next stage of the proceedings will therefore focus on the consequences of the commission’s findings and the club’s appeal.
