Nocturnal 
Manchester City have been found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League, in a verdict that could shape the future of English football’s financial rules.
The news broke via David Ornstein of The Athletic, who reported the club had been found guilty on “virtually all charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations”. According to multiple outlets including the Metro, The Sun and talkSPORT, City are understood to have been cleared on just one of the charges.
The verdict comes after an extraordinary process. City were first charged in February 2023 over alleged breaches spanning nine seasons, from 2009 to 2018. The Sun reports the investigation began after German newspaper Der Spiegel published leaked financial documents from the club back in November 2018.
What were the charges?
The 115 charges covered a range of alleged breaches, according to details reported by the Metro. These included 35 charges for failing to provide accurate financial information, 14 relating to reporting player and manager pay, five for breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, seven for breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability regulations, and 35 for failing to co-operate with Premier League investigations between 2018 and 2023.
The case was eventually referred to an independent commission, with the actual hearing taking place towards the end of 2024, according to Football365. Clubs were reportedly informed a verdict had been reached following a Premier League meeting on Thursday, with The Times said to have confirmed the timing.
What happens next
Crucially, sanctions have not yet been decided. Reports suggest “all possibilities remain on the table”, which could include points deductions, fines, or in a worst-case scenario for the club, expulsion from the league.
Manchester City are widely expected to appeal the decision. A club spokesperson told The Athletic: “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 statement continued: “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.”
City had previously said in 2023 that they were “surprised” by the charges and welcomed scrutiny by an independent commission of what they called “irrefutable evidence” supporting their position.
The timing adds extra weight to the story given City’s success during the period in question. Between 2009 and 2018, the club won three Premier League titles. Under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership, City have gone on to win eight Premier League titles in total, along with four FA Cups, seven League Cups and one Champions League — six of those honours arriving since the charges were first brought.
For now, the Premier League has not confirmed what punishment, if any, will follow. Manchester City’s legal battle looks set to continue as the club prepares its appeal, with football fans across the country waiting to see what comes next.
