Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League over alleged financial breaches, The Athletic reports.
The verdict was delivered by an independent commission following a lengthy investigation into the club’s finances between 2009 and 2018.
According to The Athletic, City were found guilty on 114 charges, while one charge was dismissed.
The Premier League brought the case against City in February 2023 after a four-year investigation into alleged breaches of its financial regulations.
The charges covered nine seasons and included allegations relating to the provision of accurate financial information, as well as the club’s financial dealings.
City have consistently denied wrongdoing and have maintained that they did not breach the Premier League’s regulations.
Responding to the development, a City spokesperson told The Athletic that the Premier League process was still ongoing and that significant elements remained to be completed.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The club are expected to appeal the commission’s decision, according to The Athletic.
The case is one of the most extensive disciplinary proceedings in Premier League history and has been ongoing for several years.
The charges relate to a period in which City established themselves as one of the dominant clubs in English football, winning several Premier League titles and other major trophies.
The verdict does not immediately determine the sanctions City may face, with the punishment expected to be decided separately and potentially subject to the outcome of any appeal.
The Athletic reported that the next stage of the process will focus on the consequences of the commission’s findings.
City’s response means the club continues to contest the allegations despite the commission’s findings, with the appeal process expected to determine whether the verdict stands.
(Punch)
