Manchester City have been found guilty of all but one of their 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, according to a report.
The Athletic says that sanctions against the club have not been decided. The City Council is expected to appeal.
The case was announced in February 2023 after the Premier League accused City of breaching financial rules following an investigation into alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018.
The Cityzens are essentially accused of circumventing financial fair play, inflating sponsorship deals and paying inappropriate amounts to both players and managers, with most breaches “in particular in relation to their income (including sponsorship income), their related parties and their operating costs”.
During the timescale in question, the club won the Premier League three times, a hat-trick of EFL Cup titles and the FA Cup once. The City Council has always denied the allegations and has insisted that they have acted correctly throughout the process.
Manchester City charge: How the Premier League club reacted
The club said: “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to complete and subject to strict confidentiality.
“As such, Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s February 2023 statement.
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would conduct themselves as an independent, impartial and fair regulator, free from partisan influence.”
What did City say about Premier League charges in 2023?
When the charges were announced, city they said they were “surprised by the airing” of the alleged breaches “especially given the extensive engagement and the amount of detailed material that has been supplied to the (Premier League)”.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission to impartially consider the broad body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position,” he added.
“As such, we hope this matter is resolved once and for all.”
Man City charges: What punishments could the club face?
No punishment has been announced and the penalties are likely to depend on the commission’s final decisions on the individual charges.
Possible punishments include fines, points deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League.