Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 Premier League charges brought against the club over alleged financial regulation breaches.
According to a report by The Athletic, the outcome follows an independent hearing that began more than two years ago. No sanction has been decided, and Manchester City are expected to appeal the findings.
The Premier League charged City in 2023 following an investigation into alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018.
The allegations include claims that the club failed to provide accurate financial information relating to revenue, player and manager payments, and financial sustainability requirements. Manchester City have consistently denied the allegations.
The case dates back to leaked documents published by German outlet Der Spiegel in 2018. The documents included emails that allegedly suggested sponsorship revenue from Abu Dhabi-linked companies had been presented in a way that concealed direct investment from the club’s ownership group.
Other documents reportedly alleged that former City manager Roberto Mancini received payments through consultancy arrangements involving a club in Abu Dhabi.
Possible sanctions
The report said the eventual punishment has not yet been determined. Potential sanctions could include a points deduction or, in a more severe outcome, expulsion from the Premier League.
Everton and Nottingham Forest previously received points deductions for breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Any significant punishment could also have implications for Manchester City’s squad, including striker Erling Haaland.
There could also be claims from other clubs over titles and compensation if it is established that Manchester City gained an unfair sporting advantage from the alleged breaches.
Manchester City, under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, have won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups and one Champions League during their rise to prominence.