Man City found guilty on all but one of 115 charges: Reports

Manchester City has been found guilty of all but one of 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, according to reports. The Athletic announced the verdict on Friday, marking a potentially significant development in a case that has dominated English football for years. The club is expected to appeal the decision, signaling that the process is not yet complete.

Manchester City has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. They stated that the Premier League process remains ongoing and that the club's position remains consistent with a statement made in February 2023. The Premier League declined to comment on the allegations, citing the confidentiality of the process.

If confirmed, the guilty verdict would be one of the most significant in English football history, reflecting years of financial regulation concerns and questions about the league's ability to enforce its rules against its most successful clubs. The allegations span more than a decade, from the 2009-10 to 2022-23 seasons, involving breaches of providing accurate financial information.

Manchester City's defense was led by lawyer David Pannick, while the Premier League was represented by Adam Lewis. The hearing concluded on December 6, 2024, after nearly three months of proceedings. The case was heard by an independent commission composed of three members appointed by the Premier League's independent chair. In 2020, UEFA banned City from the Champions League for two years due to the club overstating sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016, but they successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Since Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group took control of the club in 2008, Manchester City has secured eight Premier League titles, the Champions League, four FA Cups, and seven League Cups. They currently lead the Premier League after winning their first five matches of the season. The stakes are particularly high, as other clubs have faced sporting sanctions for breaching financial regulations, such as Everton being docked eight points in the 2023-24 season and Nottingham Forest losing four points in March 2024.

The case has raised questions about financial fairness across the football pyramid and has prompted calls for a swift resolution from figures like Caroline Dinenage, chair of Britain's Culture, Media and Sport select committee.