Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League, with former striker Stan Collymore calling for the club's trophies to be expunged and for the club to be removed from the Premier League and English Football League if their appeal fails.
The club, which has maintained its innocence, is set to appeal the outcome. No sanction has yet been decided. The charges relate to financial information between 2009 and 2018, including 54 allegations of failing to provide accurate financial information and 14 alleged breaches concerning player and manager compensation. Additional charges suggested the club had not been cooperative in the investigation.
Collymore's Verdict
Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Collymore, now a broadcaster, took to social media to offer his verdict. "If City's appeal fails then every trophy should be expunged from the records, removal from Premier League and EFL, a crippling fine and denial of fit and proper ownership," he said. "Biggest football story arguably in English football history."
City could face punishments ranging from a fine to a points deduction or expulsion from the league.
Club's Response
Following the guilty verdict, a club spokesperson said the process remains ongoing. "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 spokesperson added: "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."
In 2023, City said they were 'surprised' by the charges but welcomed "the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position."
Chairman's Promise
In May, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak suggested he would 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."
