Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations.
The Athletic's David Ornstein broke the news on Friday afternoon, revealing the independent panel presiding over the 115 charges had informed Premier League clubs on Thursday that a decision had been made.
While sanctions are yet to be decided, the Citizens could face anything from fines to points deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League. The eight-time Premier League winners are expected to appeal.
A Man City spokesperson told The Athletic: “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.”
It's been over two years since the independent commission hearing began to examine the 115 charges against Man City by the Premier League in relation to the alleged breaches of financial rules.
The charges were first set out in February 2023 after the Premier League's investigation began in 2018, and while the club have strenously denied any wrongdoing, the independent panel have finally reached a decision in a protracted legal case.
City were accused by the Premier League of failing to provide accurate financial information concerning the details of payments to players and staff, along with breaches to profit and sustainability rules and UEFA's financial fair play regulations.
The breaches are said to have happened between 2009 and 2018. Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group purchased the club in 2008, with Manchester City winning eight Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League in the period since.
The Premier League's chief executive Richard Masters conceded last month that the process to discover a verdict had taken longer than expected, but it was important for the case to reach a "natural conclusion".
"I obviously speak to clubs all the time. It's not necessarily a topic of conversation that is top of the list," he said.
Masters was asked if there was a danger that the case may never be resolved, and replied: "It will resolve itself. I literally can't say a thing about it. There's only one available option, which is to allow the process to reach its natural conclusion.
"I can't talk about the substance of the case. I can't talk about the timing of the case. Our rules are very clear about that."
During the period of the alleged breaches, Manchester City won the Premier League three times, the FA Cup twice, and the EFL Cup four times.
