Manchester City found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial regulation charges brought against them by the Premier League, marking a major development in the league’s long-running case against the club.

The verdict, reported by The Athletic, relates to alleged breaches committed between 2009 and 2018. The charges cover claims that City failed to provide accurate financial information, breached rules concerning payments to players and managers, and failed to comply with financial regulations.

The club has consistently denied the allegations and is expected to appeal the verdict.

Importantly, no sanctions have yet been determined. The punishment could only be decided after the relevant process is completed, meaning City’s immediate position in the Premier League remains unchanged.

The case dates back to 2018, when leaked financial documents published by German outlet Der Spiegel prompted a Premier League investigation. City were formally charged in February 2023 and referred to an independent commission.

A 12-week hearing took place behind closed doors between September and December 2024, with the independent panel subsequently considering the evidence before reaching its decision.

City previously faced UEFA sanctions following a separate investigation stemming from the same leaked documents. In 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned a two-year Champions League ban, although the club was fined £8.8 million for failing to cooperate with UEFA's investigation.

The Premier League case is separate from that UEFA ruling.

City have continued to compete at the top level during the lengthy proceedings and currently sit top of the Premier League after five matches of the 2026/27 campaign.

The club's response to the latest development is expected to focus on its longstanding position that it has complied with due process and possesses evidence supporting its defence.

The appeal process means the latest verdict is unlikely to bring an immediate end to one of the most significant financial cases in Premier League history.