Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 out of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League over alleged financial breaches, according to The Athletic.
The verdict was reached by an independent commission following a lengthy investigation into the club’s finances covering the period between 2009 and 2018.
According to The Athletic, the commission found City guilty on 114 charges, while one charge was dismissed.
The Premier League brought the case against Manchester City in February 2023, following a four-year investigation into alleged violations of its financial regulations.
The charges covered nine seasons and included allegations concerning the accuracy of the financial information provided by the club, as well as other aspects of its financial dealings.
Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained that they had not breached the Premier League’s regulations.
Responding to the latest development, a City spokesperson told The Athletic that the Premier League process was still ongoing and that significant parts of the case were yet to be completed.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The Athletic reported that Manchester City are expected to appeal the commission’s decision.
The case is regarded as one of the most extensive disciplinary proceedings in Premier League history and has remained unresolved for several years.
The charges concern a period during which City established themselves as one of English football’s dominant clubs, winning multiple Premier League titles and other major trophies.
However, the verdict does not immediately determine what punishment Manchester City could face. Any sanctions are expected to be decided separately and could also be affected by the outcome of a potential appeal.
According to The Athletic, the next stage of the process will focus on determining the consequences of the commission’s findings.