Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of almost all of the charges brought against them by the Premier League, with the club now expected to appeal the independent panel’s ruling.
According to a report from The Athletic, City were found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges in the long-running case concerning alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. The verdict represents a major development in one of the most significant disciplinary cases in English football.
The case relates to allegations covering a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, with Manchester City having consistently denied wrongdoing. The independent hearing, which concluded in December 2024 after several months of proceedings, was conducted by a specially selected three-person panel.
Premier League clubs have now been updated on the outcome, although Manchester City are expected to challenge the ruling through the appeal process.
A City spokesperson said:
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 that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.
The exact punishment City could face has not yet been determined.
Under Rule W.51 of the Premier League handbook, sanctions can range from a reprimand or financial penalties to points deductions and, in the most serious scenario, expulsion from the Premier League.
Points deductions could also be applied either at the time of the final decision or retrospectively, meaning the potential consequences could extend beyond the current campaign and could theoretically affect previous sporting outcomes.
However, the punishment remains separate from the verdict itself, and City’s expected appeal means the legal process is not yet complete. The club and Premier League therefore still face further stages before the matter reaches a final conclusion.
The development comes as Manchester City continue to enjoy a perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Enzo Maresca’s side maintained their 100 per cent record with a 5-2 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 20.
Enzo Fernández opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Rayan Cherki doubled City’s advantage in the 29th minute. Antoine Semenyo then struck twice, scoring in the 43rd and 57th minutes, before Erling Haaland completed the victory in the 81st minute.
The result moved City three points clear at the top of the Premier League following Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite their outstanding performances on the pitch, the 115-charges case now presents a significant off-field issue for the club.
Manchester City will continue with their appeal against the independent panel’s ruling, while the Premier League considers the appropriate sanctions. Until that process is completed, the precise sporting and financial consequences for the club remain unknown.
