Manchester City are reportedly set to be found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 financial-breach charges brought against them by the Premier League, according to a report first published by The Athletic and subsequently confirmed to ESPN by a source familiar with the case.

The club has not denied the reports but stressed that the legal process remains ongoing and subject to confidentiality.

Manchester City Respond to Verdict Reports

Manchester City issued a statement on Friday following reports that an independent panel had delivered verdicts in the long-running case.

The club said the Premier League process “remains ongoing” and that significant elements still need to be completed. City also reiterated its longstanding position that it has respected due process throughout the proceedings.

The Premier League, meanwhile, declined to comment when approached by ESPN, describing the matter as a private and confidential process.

Reports suggest that City have been found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges. However, the club has strongly disputed suggestions that it sought an injunction to prevent initial reporting of the verdict.

115 Charges Stemming From Nine-Year Period

The Premier League announced its charges against Manchester City in February 2023 after a four-year investigation into the club’s financial affairs.

The allegations relate to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. At the heart of the Premier League’s case is the claim that Manchester City failed to provide accurate financial information that represented a “true and fair view” of the club’s financial position.

The hearing took place at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London and began in September 2024. The proceedings lasted 12 weeks before concluding in December 2024.

Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained their innocence throughout the case.

What Punishment Could Manchester City Face?

If the reported verdicts are formally confirmed, Manchester City could face a range of potential sanctions.

Possible punishments could include a financial penalty, points deduction or, in the most serious scenario, expulsion from the Premier League. The final punishment would depend on the findings and the relevant disciplinary process.

City are expected to appeal any guilty verdicts, meaning the case could continue for some time before a final outcome is established.

City’s Previous Financial Fair Play Case

The latest Premier League case is not Manchester City’s first major financial-rule dispute.

In February 2020, UEFA found the club guilty of breaching its financial fair play regulations and imposed a two-year ban from European competitions alongside a €30 million fine.

City appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Five months later, CAS lifted the European competition suspension and reduced the fine to €10 million.

The current Premier League case is separate and concerns alleged breaches of Premier League rules over a much longer period.

Case Remains Unresolved

Despite reports concerning the independent panel’s findings, Manchester City’s statement indicates that the Premier League process has not yet reached its final conclusion.

The club has maintained that it has followed due process and has previously rejected the allegations made against it. The Premier League has also declined to publicly discuss the confidential proceedings.

As a result, the reported verdicts represent a major development in the eight-year saga, but the ultimate consequences for Manchester City will depend on the completion of the remaining legal and disciplinary stages.