Manchester City found guilty on virtually all Premier League financial charges

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester City has been found guilty on virtually all charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations, according to a report by David Ornstein of The Athletic.

An independent commission ruled against the club on all but one of 115 charges covering the period from 2009 to 2018.

These include failures to provide accurate financial information, details of payments to players and coaches, and breaches of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules as well as the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations.

Sanctions have not yet been determined and the process remains ongoing.

City are expected to appeal the verdict.

The case originated from leaked financial documents published by Der Spiegel in November 2018, which prompted a lengthy Premier League investigation.

The charges were formally issued in 2023. City have consistently denied wrongdoing.

In a previous statement the club expressed surprise at the allegations and said it welcomed an impartial review of the evidence.

A club spokesperson reiterated respect for due process following the latest ruling.

Possible penalties under Premier League rules range from fines and points deductions (including potential retrospective application that could affect past titles) to more severe measures such as expulsion, though nothing has been decided.

The league and City reached a separate settlement in September 2025 concerning associated party transaction rules.

The verdict represents a significant moment in the long-running dispute over financial regulation in English football and is likely to intensify debate about competitive balance and governance in the Premier League.