Manchester, United Kingdom. Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of all but one of the 115 Premier League charges they face over alleged financial rule breaches, The Athletic and The Times reported on Friday.

The independent commission has yet to decide what sanctions, if any, City will face, and the club is expected to appeal the findings, according to the reports. The Premier League has declined to comment, while City said the disciplinary process remains ongoing.

The reported verdict marks a major development in a case that has hung over the club for years. The Premier League charged City in February 2023 following a lengthy investigation into alleged breaches covering the period from 2009 to 2018.

The allegations include failing to provide accurate financial information, including details of revenue and operating costs, as well as information concerning payments to players and managers. The club was also accused of breaching UEFA financial regulations and the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.

Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing.

The club's spokesperson told The Athletic that the Premier League process remained ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed under strict confidentiality. The club also said its position remained consistent with its February 2023 statement.

The case followed the publication of leaked financial documents by German magazine Der Spiegel in 2018. The documents prompted scrutiny of City's financial arrangements and contributed to the Premier League's subsequent investigation.

Potential sanctions
No punishment has yet been announced. Potential sanctions under Premier League rules include fines, points deductions, and, in the most serious circumstances, expulsion from the competition. The reported findings could also have implications for City's record during the period covered by the charges, although any consequences would depend on the sanctions eventually imposed and the outcome of any appeal.

Under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group, which acquired City in 2008, the club have become one of the dominant forces in English football.

City have won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups, and one Champions League since the takeover.

The independent commission heard the case over 12 weeks between September and December 2024. The long-delayed outcome has been closely watched across English football, with the club's appeal expected to prolong the process.

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