Manchester City Found Guilty on 114 of 115 Premier League Financial Charges in Landmark Ruling

Manchester City have been found guilty of the vast majority of the Premier League financial rules breaches brought against them, according to multiple reports on September 25, 2026. An independent commission ruled the club guilty on 114 of the original 115 charges, with sanctions still to be determined and an appeal expected.

The charges, first announced by the Premier League in February 2023, related to alleged breaches spanning the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons, plus failures to cooperate with the subsequent investigation. The case stemmed from an inquiry that intensified after leaked documents published in 2018 raised questions about the club’s financial reporting in the early years of its Abu Dhabi ownership.

What the Charges Covered

The allegations fell into several categories. These included:

• Failing to provide accurate financial information (particularly regarding sponsorship revenue from related parties and operating costs) over multiple seasons.
• Not providing full and accurate details of payments to players and managers.
• Breaches of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
• Non-compliance with certain UEFA financial regulations during the relevant period.
• Failing to cooperate fully with the Premier League’s investigation between late 2018 and early 2023.

City have always denied wrongdoing. In their initial response in 2023, the club stated they welcomed an independent review and pointed to what they described as a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” supporting their position. A fresh club statement issued after the latest reports reiterated that the Premier League process “remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” and that their position remains consistent with the 2023 statement.

Long Road to the Verdict

A formal hearing before a three-person independent panel ran for about 12 weeks from September to December 2024 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London. The panel then took nearly two years to deliver its liability findings—an unusually long deliberation that drew criticism from some observers for its length.

This Premier League case is distinct from the earlier UEFA Financial Fair Play proceedings. UEFA had charged City and imposed a two-year European ban, which the club successfully overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in 2020. The Premier League’s investigation continued separately and ultimately produced the far broader set of charges.

What Happens Next

Sanctions have not yet been decided. Possible penalties under Premier League rules range from fines and reprimands to points deductions, transfer restrictions, or, in extreme scenarios, expulsion from the competition. Title stripping has also been discussed in media coverage as a theoretical option, though no decision has been made.

Both sides have a window (typically 14 days) in which to appeal any formal decision. Reports indicate Manchester City are expected to challenge the findings, which could prolong the process for many more months. Any points deduction or other sporting sanction would only take effect after the full process, including appeals, is complete.

The case is one of the most significant governance issues in the history of the English top flight. Manchester City have dominated domestic football for more than a decade, winning multiple Premier League titles during the period under scrutiny. The eventual sanctions—if upheld—could reshape the competitive landscape and set important precedents for how financial regulations are enforced.

As of the latest reports, neither the Premier League nor the independent commission has issued an official public confirmation of the detailed findings. The process remains confidential until formal announcements are made. Further developments on sanctions and any appeal are expected in the coming weeks and months.

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