A verdict over Premier League charges against Manchester City is finally set to be delivered after a bombshell report said the club have been “found guilty on almost all of the charges”.
The Independent understands that the former champions have been found guilty of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, in what would be a seminal moment for the richest football league in the world.
The landmark ruling, first reported by The Athletic, follows one of the most significant court cases in the history of sport, with the verdict also having major repercussions for City’s rivals. The Premier League have declined to comment, however.
City, currently top of the Premier League after five games, were charged with over 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules in February 2023, with the club always denying any wrongdoing throughout the process.
An independent commission was appointed following a four-year investigation. Sanctions have not yet been decided, according to The Athletic, and City are expected to appeal. A club spokesperson said the Premier League process “remains ongoing”.
City have been England’s most successful team since the club’s fortunes were transformed by Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008. There are a wide range of punishments available to the top-flight’s authorities. Sanctions could include fines and/or points deductions, and even expulsion as a member of the Premier League.
Follow all the latest news, reaction and analysis to one of the most important moments in the Premier League’s history:
Read MoreThe Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even bigger
Could Manchester City be expelled from the Premier League over financial breaches?
Man City timeline: From Abu Dhabi takeover to 115 Premier League charges
Man City charges verdict
- Premier League set to deliver bombshell Man City charges verdict
- Man City ‘found guilty of almost all Premier League charges’ - report
- Man City insist 'process remains ongoing' in statement on 'verdict'
- No sanctions have been announced and City are expected to appeal
- Hearing into Man City’s charges ended in December 2024 with verdict delayed
- Could Man City be expelled from the Premier League over financial breaches?
- ANALYSIS: The Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even bigger
Man City are expected to appeal - what does that look like?
20:00 , Will CastleNow, the club will have the chance to appeal against the decision of one of the most significant court cases in the history of sport.
Regardless of the judgement, both sides - the Premier League and Manchester City - knew they would have the chance to appeal within 14 days of the ruling.
Such an appeal would trigger a fresh three-person commission to look into the case, the members of which will be selected by Murray Rosen KC, the chair of the Premier League’s judicial panel.
This would lead to a further delay of the imposition of any sanctions or points deductions until the appeal process is complete.
A Manchester City spokesperson said: “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.”
Simon Jordan reacts to reported verdict on Man City charges
19:40 , Jack RathbornFormer Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has commented on Man City’s 115 charges: “If you can expel Southampton from the worlds richest game
“What can you do to a club, found guilty of a breaching financial regulations on a systemic level in the worlds richest league?
“The length and breadth of this and who this touches is going to be so revealing.”
Man City timeline: From Abu Dhabi takeover to 115 Premier League charges
19:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo how did we get here? It’s coming up on two decades since a takeover that changed English football – this is the full timeline:
Man City timeline: From Abu Dhabi takeover to Premier League charges
Could the Independent Football Regulator play a role?
19:00 , Miguel DelaneyIf City are indeed found guilty of the most serious charges, the Independent Football Regulator could push for the removal of key figures. That body does have powers under section 34.
Some in football are even broaching the idea of a forced sale due to the severity of the case, given that this would be perceived as the greatest case of cheating in English football history.
It should not be forgotten that this is ultimately about the allegation of submitting false accounting.
The charges didn’t just involve accusations of breaching financial regulations on several occasions, but of not providing accurate payment details.
A sanctions hearing would determine the most immediate punishments. Multiple sources feel this can’t possibly go without a huge points deduction, particularly given the recent precedent of Everton and Nottingham Forest, potentially enough to relegate the club.
Prime Minister warns not to 'jump to conclusions' after report of verdict
18:40 , Harry Latham-CoylePrime Minister Andy Burnham has warned people should not “jump to conclusions” on City, when asked whether they should be stripped of their Premier League titles.
He told ITV Granada Reports: “I’ve only just been made aware of it – I think these are reports at this stage. But if they’re confirmed, obviously I will want to look at the report of the independent commission.
“People shouldn’t jump to those kind of conclusions (about City having their titles taken off them). I know, this has been a long process between the club and the Premier League. I think quite a contested process. So I don’t think it’s as simple as jumping to conclusions.
“I think we would all need to study the independent commission’s report in some considerable detail before reaching any conclusions.”
WATCH: Fans react as Manchester City reportedly found guilty
18:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleVerdict could 'open floodgates' to legal challenge, expert says
18:10 , PAA guilty verdict against Manchester City for a mass breach of Premier League rules would “open the floodgates” to further cases against them, a legal expert has said.
The club are reported to have been found guilty on virtually all the charges laid against them by the Premier League back in February 2023, charges the club have always strenuously denied.
The Premier League has not commented on the reports, while a spokesperson for City said the process remained ongoing “with significant elements to be completed”.
An appeal by City in the event of a guilty verdict would be a certainty, but if the independent commission’s reported decision is upheld, Paul Stothard, a partner at global law firm Norton Rose Fullbright, felt the ramifications would be seismic.
“This result, if upheld, will open the floodgates to further legal challenges,” Stothard said.
“Manchester City being found liable for 114 out of 115 rule breaches means that other clubs may choose to pursue compensation for lost revenue, missed European qualification or relegation – though they would need to be able to prove how City’s breaches impacted on their own ability to compete and their quantifiable loss.
“The outcome underscores the need for regulatory mechanisms in professional football and, moving forward, could help reshape how football governance balances commercial interests with the principles of fair play in what is now a multi-billion-pound competition.”
The Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even bigger
17:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter a seismic day for football, Miguel Delaney explains why many more tremors could be to come:
The Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even bigger
City odds to be relegated slashed with Arsenal now heavy favourites to win Premier League
17:40 , Jack RathbornMan City have been priced at just 9/2 to be relegated following the reports that they have been found guilty of almost all of their 115 financial charges.
That would put their chances of relegation at 18 per cent, according to Betfair.
Enzo Maresca’s side are top of the Premier League by three points after five games and were very narrow second favourites (6/5) behind Arsenal (11/10).
But now City are 5/2 to win the league, with Arsenal just 8/11.
What happened when Man City were punished by Uefa?
17:25 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Premier League’s case against Manchester City is not the first time the club have been involved in a long-running legal drama.
In November 2018, German newspaper Der Spiegel publish leaked documents, obtained by Football Leaks, alleging Manchester City had inflated the value of sponsorship deals in order to circumvent FFP rules.
Uefa launched investigation into Manchester City over alleged breach of FFP and in February 2020, announced a two-year Champions League ban and €30m fine. They ruled City committed “serious breaches” of FFP regulations between 2012 and 2016.
City describe the process as “prejudicial” appealed to The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), who overturned City’s two-year Champions League ban and reduced their fine to €10m.
Cas ruled that City were cleared of "disguising equity funds as sponsorship contributions" but added the club did "fail to cooperate with Uefa authorities".
What comes next as Man City look to appeal?
17:10 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Premier League’s case against Manchester City may not end “any time soon”, according to leading sports barrister Yasin Patel of Church Court Chambers.
Mr Patel says City will now look into whether the independent commission followed the correct procedures and will keenly look for “wrongly interpretation of law and legal errors” during the hearing.
"Sanctions could include a major fine, points deduction, relegation or even all three,” he said.
“Factoring in whether titles and trophies should be stripped, whether other clubs have been robbed of further revenue and opportunities due to City’s wrongdoings and losses incurred, we safely say that this is only the first chapter of a long-running legal saga that will not end any time soon."
Everything Pep Guardiola said about Manchester City’s 115 charges
16:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe final two years of the period encompassed by the charges came at the start of Pep Guardiola’s stint at Manchester City. Here is everything that the former manager said about the matter during his time at the club:
Everything Pep Guardiola said about Man City’s 115 charges
The Premier League are not commenting on reports of Man City verdict
16:39 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Premier League are not commenting or providing guidance on the reports that the majority of charges against Manchester City have been proven. The Premier League say the process remains “private and confidential”.
With Manchester City saying that this process is still ongoing, it suggests there is a chance the case has already moved into the appeal stage.
Last month, before the start of the Premier League season, the Premier League’s chief executive said the case had “taken longer than expected”.
"It's hugely complex. The hearing took 12 weeks," added Masters.
"There's only one available route through this, which is to allow the process to take its course.
“It has taken longer than expected, and I do understand the frustrations."
What are the Premier League’s charges against Man City?
16:29 , Jamie BraidwoodA number of the charges against Manchester City included a “failure to cooperate” with the Premier League’s four-year investigation. According to the club, however, City still believe there is “irrefutable evidence” that proves their innocence.
Full breakdown of the charges brought to Manchester City
- 54 - Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information (2009-2018)
- 14 - Failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation (2009-2018)
- 5 - Failure to comply with UEFA's regulations, including Financial Fair Play Regulations
- 7 - Breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability regulations (2015-2018)
- 35 - Failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations (2018-2023)
Have there been verdicts against other Premier League clubs?
16:19 , Jamie BraidwoodIn March this year, Chelsea received a suspended transfer ban and a £10.75m fine after reaching a settlement over Premier League rules breaches.
Chelsea voluntarily reported potential historical breaches of rules in 2022, concerning its use of unauthorised agents or unregistered intermediaries when signing new players and then submitted false and misleading documentation.
They primarily related to the seasons between 2010/11 to 2015/16, which came under the ownership of the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, and were discovered during the due diligence process following the change of ownership in 2022.
Chelsea admitted to all 74 breaches. In July, following a similar verdict from the Football Association, the Blues confirmed that the FA’s punishment “brings all regulatory proceedings against the club to a close”.
In June this year, Everton have been ordered to pay a £35m compensation payment to Burnley after breaching PSR rules over a three-year period, including in the 2021-22 season where the Toffees avoided relegation at the expense of the Clarets.
Everton, who were given a 10-point deduction over the breaches in November 2023, which was reduced to six points on appeal, launched another appeal against the ruling, which they said sets a “dangerous precedent” that could lead to a rash of other legal cases between clubs.
In March 2024, Nottingham Forest were docked four points for breaching PSR rules in the 2022-23 season. The club dropped into the relegation zone at the time, but survived relegation that season.
Rio Ferdinand reacts: 'Another medal to be added to the cabinet'
16:08 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has already claimed a seventh Premier League winners’ medal following today’s reports of the Manchester City verdict.
City beat United to the title on goal difference in 2012, when Ferdinand was still part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, which falls inside the nine-year period where City have been found of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules.
Another premier league medal to be added to the cabinet 👀 https://t.co/lroufnRElY
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 25, 2026
Man City release statement after Premier League ‘verdict’ on 115 charges
15:57 , Jamie BraidwoodA Manchester City spokesperson insists the Premier League’s process over the alleged 115 charges “remains ongoing” after a bombshell report stated the club have been “found guilty on almost all of the charges.”
Having been initially charged in February 2023, The Athletic reported on Friday afternoon that City have been found guilty of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules in 114 of the 115 cases.
The report added that sanctions have not yet been decided, while former champions City are expected to appeal the landmark verdict.
Reacting to the reports on Friday, a Manchester City spokesperson said: “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 that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
Could Man City be expelled from the Premier League over financial breaches?
15:47 , Lawrence OstlereThe short answer is yes, but there are a wide range of punishments available to the top-flight’s authorities. Sanctions could include fines and/or points deductions, and even expulsion as a member of the Premier League, which would require City to rebuild from the lower leagues.
Rule W.51 of the Premier League is the relevant section of its regulations, and it states that options for sanctioning a club found guilty of breaches include the powers to:
- “Suspend it from playing in League Matches”
- “Deduct points scored or to be scored in League Matches”
- “Recommend that the League expels the Respondent from membership”
- “Order the Respondent to pay compensation unlimited in amount to any Person or to any Club”
The rules state that any combination of punishments could be applied, and that penalties could be conditional or contingent on a “defined action” being taken.
Man City are expected to appeal - what does that look like?
15:37 , Will CastleNow, the club will have the chance to appeal against the decision of one of the most significant court cases in the history of sport.
Regardless of the judgement, both sides - the Premier League and Manchester City - knew they would have the chance to appeal within 14 days of the ruling.
Such an appeal would trigger a fresh three-person commission to look into the case, the members of which will be selected by Murray Rosen KC, the chair of the Premier League’s judicial panel.
This would lead to a further delay of the imposition of any sanctions or points deductions until the appeal process is complete.
A Manchester City spokesperson said: “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.”
Man City timeline: From Abu Dhabi takeover to 115 Premier League charges
15:30 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City are reportedly set to be found guilty on more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules after a long-awaited verdict was reached.
After a four-year investigation, the eight-time Premier League champions were referred to an independent commission in early 2023 regarding a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
Almost two years on from a 12-week hearing, a decision has been reached in one of the most significant court cases in sporting history – though Manchester City may yet appeal.
While any possible sanctions for the club, which has denied all charges, are still to be confirmed, the verdict could well prove a seminal moment within English football around a club that has risen into a Premier League powerhouse across the two decades.
Here is the full timeline of everything that led to this moment:
Man City timeline: From Abu Dhabi takeover to Premier League charges
Enzo Maresca's cryptic Instagram post amid Man City verdict
15:23 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City manager Enzo Maresca posted “time to breathe, time to analyse, time to learn” on his Instagram account, just shortly before The Athletic reported that City had been found guilty of almost all of the Premier League’s charges.
Hmmm.
What has Enzo Maresca said on Man City's charges?
15:20 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola in the summer, said before the start of the season that he had “no concerns” over the Premier League charges.
Maresca was previously Guardiola’s assistant and was at the club in February 2023 when they were charged by the Premier League with breaking their financial rules.
“The only thing I can say is three years ago, the treble season, I was here, and it was the same words about this,” Maresca said in July.
“In three years, it's still the same. Nothing has happened. I don't have any concerns, personally."
Maresca has won his first five games of the Premier League season after signing a three-year contract.
No sanctions have been announced and Man City are expected to appeal
15:14 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City insist the process “remains ongoing”.
The Premier League have not yet announced sanctions, but City are expected to appeal the long-awaited verdict after they were found “guilty on almost all of the charges”.
Possible sanctions include fines, points deductions, and even expulsion from the Premier League.
Those sanctions could be applied now, or retrospectively. That could mean City are stripped of titles and trophies.
City insisted in February 2023 that they were “surprised” by the charges and said there was evidence to prove their innocence.
How did we get here?
15:07 , Jamie BraidwoodThe landmark ruling follows one of the most significant court cases in the history of sport. City were charged with over 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
The Premier League said the alleged breaches took place between 2009 and 2018, and related to providing accurate financial information and failing to comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Other charges included an accusation of failing to co-operate with the Premier League’s investigation, which was prompted by the Football Leaks revelations.
City have been England’s most successful team since the club’s fortunes were transformed by Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008. The club won the Premier League three times between 2009 and 2018, a period in which the club also won one FA Cup and three League Cups.
Under former manager Pep Guardiola, City won the Premier League in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, including an unprecedented run of four in a row. In 2023, the club also won the Champions League for the first time, completing a historic ‘Treble’ of major prizes.
City had denied any wrongdoing throughout the process and announced their “surprise” when they were referred to an independent commission.
'Amazement and relief' at Premier League's verdict
15:02 , Miguel Delaney, Chief Football WriterFrom canvassing views around football, there is amazement - and some relief - that the level of guilt is so strong.
There are still a lot of uncertainties, not least about the sanctions and the response but this is a seismic day in English football history.
Man City ‘found guilty of almost all Premier League charges’
15:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Manchester City “have been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges”.
We await confirmation of this from the Premier League.
Such an overwhelming verdict would represent victory for the Premier League, who charged City in February 2023.
Why was verdict delayed?
14:58 , Jamie BraidwoodThe independent hearing into Man City's charges concluded in December 2024, yet the nature of the case was described as “hugely complex," leading to a lengthy delay in the verdict.
The timeframe between the start of the hearing and the judgement has stretched to almost three years.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters admitted to Sky Sports before the 2025/26 season that he had grown frustrated with the situation.
"It's an independent judiciary essentially," he said. “They are then in charge of the process and its timings. They hear the case, they decide the outcome and we have no influence over it or its timing.
“My frustration is irrelevant really, I just have to wait. Legal processes rarely take less time than you anticipated. But we have to be patient.”
What were Man City's 115 Premier League charges?
14:57 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City's charges concerning breaking financial fair play rules surround a nine-year period, from 2009 to 2018.
They were also charged with failing to co-operate with Premier League investigations concerning the club's finances.
Initially charged in 2023, the club was accused of:
- Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information (2009-2018): 54
- Failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation (2009-2018): 14
- Failure to comply with UEFA's regulations, including Financial Fair Play Regulations: 5
- Breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability regulations (2015-2018): 7
- Failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations (2018-2023): 35
Man City's statement on Premier League verdict
14:56 , Jamie BraidwoodA Manchester City spokesperson said the Premier League 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 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.”
We await an official statement from the Premier League
14:53 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Premier League have yet to announce the verdict on the Manchester City charges, but it sounds as if that could be coming very soon.
Hello and welcome
14:51 , Jamie BraidwoodA verdict over Premier League charges against Manchester City is finally set to be delivered after a bombshell report said the club have been “guilty on almost all of the charges”.
The Athletic reported on Friday that former champions have been found guilty of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules in a seminal moment for the richest football league in the world.
Follow for all the updates on an extraordinary story.
