Man City found guilty of majority of Premier League financial charges, could face points deduction or expulsion

Manchester City have been found guilty of the majority of charges brought against the club over breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, The Guardian reported.

The Athletic cited sources familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly.

It added that City were cleared on just one of the 115 charges pertaining to financial breaches they faced. Additional charges brought to the total number to 134.

What the charges are about

According to The Guardian, the case centres on allegations that City failed to provide accurate financial information to the Premier League.

More than 80 charges relate to City's duty to provide information to the Premier League in “the utmost good faith”.

Other charges relate to the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules and UEFA's financial fair play regulations.

20 charges concern City's obligation to provide full details of payments made to players and managers.

City have always denied the allegations, per The Athletic.

What could happen to Man City

No punishment has been decided.

City are expected to appeal the decision, and would have 14 days from the announcement of the verdict to do so.

Should the appeal fail, the panel would then decide on a sanction. Under Premier League rules, the options include a fine, a points deduction, suspension from competition or expulsion from the league.

Investigation began in 2018

The Premier League began investigating City in December 2018 following the publication of leaked documents relating to the club's finances.

The club was subsequently charged in February 2023.

City had previously been handed a two-year ban from UEFA competitions in 2020, along with a €30 million (S$43.6 million) fine, after being accused of “overstating sponsorship revenue in its accounts”.

The ban was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Man City responds

According to The Guardian, a Manchester City spokesperson said the Premier League process was still ongoing.

“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” the spokesperson said. “As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023.”

The club added that it had “diligently respected due process for eight years”, and said it expected the Premier League's board and executive to act as an “independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator”.

The Premier League declined to comment, citing the confidential nature of the proceedings.

'People shouldn't jump to conclusions'

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged people not to jump to conclusions before studying the independent commission's report in detail.

“I've only just been made aware of it. I think these are reports at this stage,” Burnham told ITV Granada Reports. “But if they're confirmed, obviously I will want to look at the report of the independent commission.”

He added: “People shouldn't jump to those kind of conclusions.”

Burnham said the proceedings between City and the Premier League had been lengthy and contested, and that the commission's report would need to be studied before conclusions could be reached.