Manchester City have been found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges of breaching Premier League financial rules, according to reports. The club is expected to appeal the ruling, though that process is not expected to take place for months.
Guilty verdict on 114 charges
City were charged in February 2023 for alleged breaches of the league's financial rules. Reports, first appearing in the Athletic, claim the club has been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges.
A club 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 the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
Appeal process ahead
M.E.N. Sport understands that City will appeal the ruling, and that the appeal process will not take place for months. When it is eventually heard, it is likely to be a senior judge who reviews the findings, meaning a final verdict remains a long way off.
While there has been no confirmation of the decision from City or the Premier League, with an appeal still set to take place, a number of punishments are possible if Manchester City are ultimately found guilty. Sanctions can range from reprimands and fines to point deductions or expulsions.
Charges and potential impact
Charges against City include 54 allegations of failing to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009 until 2018. They additionally face 14 alleged breaches for failing to provide accurate financial reports on player and manager compensation during the same period.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire said earlier this month that he believes the board at Manchester City would struggle to continue in their roles if they lose the case. "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.
In May, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak suggested he was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to speak out, once a verdict was delivered. "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."
