Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules on 114 of 115 charges.
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Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City have been found guilty on ALL but ONE of 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League and face the prospect of being relegated from the top flight. The seven-time champions faced allegations in February 2023 of breaching the league's financial regulations. City have been deemed guilty on 114 of the 115 charges, as initially reported by The Athletic. The club are expected to lodge an appeal and no penalties have been determined at this stage.
A City 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 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."
In 2023, City said that they were 'surprised' by the charges. They added the club "welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position"
While neither City nor the Premier League have officially confirmed the verdict, with an appeal still expected, various punishments remain possible should Manchester City ultimately be found guilty. Potential sanctions span from reprimands and financial penalties to points deductions or even expulsion from the league.
The charges levelled at City encompass 54 allegations of failing to supply accurate and current financial information spanning 2009 to 2018. The club also faces 14 alleged breaches related to inaccurate financial reporting of player and manager remuneration during the same timeframe.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire stated earlier this month that he expects the Manchester City board would find it difficult to remain in post should they be found guilty.
"These charges are so serious that it is difficult to see how the board of Manchester City could survive if they lose the case and it would be hugely embarrassing for the Premier League if they lose the case because the legal costs for both parties are probably in excess of £100m," Maguire said.
Manchester City v West Ham United - Premier League
Manchester City won the title on several occasions during the timeframe of their alleged breaches. (Image: Getty)
Back in May, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hinted he was keen to have his say once a judgement had been reached. "Let me be as consistent as I've always been – until we have a ruling, I can't say much," he said.
"Once we have a ruling, believe me, we're going to have a wonderful sit down together and I'll say everything I've wanted to say for the last three years."
Premier League chief Richard Masters conceded last month that proceedings had dragged on longer than initially anticipated. "I do accept it's taking longer than expected, and I understand that people want to find out as soon as possible what's going on, but I simply can't provide that," Masters told the BBC.
"Our rules are very clear - we have to follow the process, and there's only one real clear route through, which is to allow that process to reach its natural conclusion."