An independent panel has ruled against Manchester City on all but one of their 115 Premier League financial rule-break charges, with sources suggesting the club could now face severe punishment including a significant points deduction or expulsion from the top flight.
Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League, following an independent panel hearing that concluded in December 2024. The Premier League had accused the club of widespread financial breaches, alleging that the wrongdoing took place over a 14-year period during an era of sustained success on the pitch. Sources have disclosed that clubs have now been informed of the panel’s decision, with a belief circulating that the outcome represents a win for the Premier League. City, who have consistently denied any wrongdoing, are expected to appeal should the verdict go against them.
A long-running and costly case
City were first charged by the Premier League in February 2023, with the subsequent hearing concluding in December 2024. The Premier League accused the club of multiple breaches of financial regulations, as well as failing to cooperate fully with the investigation that followed. A three-person panel was appointed to examine the evidence, with an initial expectation that a verdict would be reached within a matter of months. In the event, the process has taken three-and-a-half years to conclude.
The number of charges against City also grew during the course of proceedings, rising from an original 115 to a total of 130 following an administrative issue. The case is understood to be the most expensive and wide-ranging in the history of English football, with City maintaining their innocence throughout eight years of alleged breaches, a period that includes the early years of Pep Guardiola’s tenure as manager.
Potential consequences for the club
Should the guilty verdict be confirmed, City could face a range of sanctions, including a substantial points deduction or, in a more severe outcome, relegation from the Premier League. Given the scale of the case and the club’s consistent denials, an appeal is considered likely if the decision stands against them.
Manchester City’s response
In a statement, 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.”
