The full list of the 115 charges against Manchester City and the potential punishments the club could face after Liverpool's rival is found guilty on almost all of them
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 5: A general exterior view of Etihad Stadium, home stadium of Manchester City ahead of the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and Coventry City at Etihad Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester City has reportedly been found guilty on nearly all of the charges brought against it by the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
With the bombshell news that Manchester City has been found guilty of almost all the charges levied against it by the Premier League, Liverpool and other clubs will be eagerly awaiting the final outcome.
The news that has been anticipated for years now was finally broken on Friday, with reports indicating that City has been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
City was first charged in February 2023 following a four-year investigation, while the hearing into the club’s case ended in December 2024, but there have been various delays on a verdict.
According to The Athletic, no sanctions have yet been decided, with all possibilities remaining on the table, although City is expected to appeal.
Liverpool of course has a vested interest in the outcome of this investigation, as some of Manchester City's achievements during the period in question came at their expense. The 2013/14 Premier League title and the 2016 League Cup victory were both secured by Manchester City, potentially impacting Liverpool's own pursuit of titles and success in European competitions.
The potential punishments that Manchester City could face if found guilty are severe. The independent commission overseeing the case has the authority to impose a points deduction in the Premier League, similar to what Everton received in 2024. In more extreme cases, expulsion from the top-flight could also be on the table. Other possible consequences include suspending the club from playing league matches, ordering compensation, canceling player registrations, or imposing conditional punishments.
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The commission may also make additional orders as it sees fit, raising questions about the potential reassignment of historical trophies won by Manchester City. It is clear that even a single proven charge resulting in a 10-point deduction, which is already a record-breaking penalty in the Premier League, would pale in comparison to the 115 charges against Manchester City.
The Premier League confirmed City's charges in an official statement released in February 2023. The allegations cover a wide range of Premier League rules, including accurate financial reporting, disclosure of manager and player remuneration, compliance with UEFA regulations, and adherence to profitability and sustainability guidelines. Detailing the charges, the Premier League wrote:
In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club ( Club ) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4.
Details of the Premier League Rules that the Club is alleged to have breached are as follows:
1. In respect of each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those seasons that required provision by a member club to the Premier League, in the utmost good faith, of accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position, in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs, namely:
(a) for Season 2009/10, Premier League Rules B.13, C.71, C.72, C.75 (amended to C.79 from 10 September 2009 for the remainder of Season 2009/10) and C.80; (b) for Season 2010/11, Premier League Rules B.13, C.78, C.79, C.86 and C.87; (c) for Season 2011/12, Premier League Rules B.13, E.3, 4, E.11 and E.12; (d) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11 and E.12; (e) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rules 15, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.49; (f) for Season 2014/15, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50; (g) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50; (h) for Season 2016/17, Premier League Rules16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51; and (i) for Season 2017/18, Premier League Rules B.16, 3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51.
2. In respect of: (a) each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2012/13 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of manager remuneration in its relevant contracts with its manager, namely:
(1) for Seasons 2009/10 to 2011/12 inclusive, Premier League Rules Q.7 and Q.8; and (2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules P.7 and P.8; and (b) each of Seasons 2010/11 to 2015/16 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of player remuneration in its relevant contracts with its players, namely:
(1) for Seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12, Premier League Rules K.12 and K.20; (2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.20; (3) for Seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.19; and (4) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules T.13 and T.20.
A Manchester City flag
Manchester City has reportedly been found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations(Image: Getty Images)
3. In respect of each of Seasons 2013/14 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, namely:
(a) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rule B.14.6; and (b) for Seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 inclusive, Premier League Rule B.15.6.
4. In respect of each of the Seasons 2015/16 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons on Profitability and Sustainability, namely:
(a) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules E.52 to E.60; and (b) for Seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18, Premier League Rules E.53 to E.60.
5. In respect of the period from December 2018 to date, the Premier League Rules applicable in the relevant Seasons requiring a member club to cooperate with, and assist, the Premier League in its investigations, including by providing documents and information to the Premier League in the utmost good faith, namely:
(a) for Season 2018/19, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13; (b) for Season 2019/20, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13; (c) for Season 2020/21, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13; (d) for Season 2021/22, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16; and (e) for Season 2022/23, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16.
Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.
This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice.
Manchester City has consistently denied the charges and expressed surprise at their issuance. The outcome of the investigation into City's financial practices will have far-reaching implications for the club and its rivals. Having now been found guilty, the consequences could significantly impact their future prospects in domestic and international competitions. Liverpool, along with other clubs, will be closely following these developments as they unfold.
An original version of this article was first published on November 20, 2023.