Man City found guilty of 114 Premier League financial charges

Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 of 115 financial rule breaches related to 2009-2018 reporting, according to reports from multiple outlets including The Athletic and The Times, with the verdict confirmed on Friday, 25 September 2026. The ruling, delivered by an independent commission, is a notable development in the club’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League, though the club has denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal.

The charges, initially filed by the Premier League in February 2023, allege failures in financial transparency and non-cooperation with investigations. The independent panel’s decision follows a closed-door hearing that took place between September and December 2024, lasting approximately 12 weeks. While the exact nature of the punishment remains unspecified, potential sanctions include financial penalties, sporting consequences, or the revocation of titles. The club’s appeal is expected to prolong the process, with no final decision yet announced.

"It’s the same as what happened after UEFA [charges], these are just charges. With UEFA, the club proved it was completely innocent. We are lucky we live in a marvellous country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty,"

Pep Guardiola, manager, via Al Jazeera

Guardiola, who announced his departure at the end of the 2025-26 season, expressed frustration over the prolonged legal process, urging a faster resolution. "Let’s go. Don’t wait two years. Why don’t we do it quicker? In 24 hours, sit down with lawyers present. Let’s have it as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone," he said. The club’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, emphasized the team’s achievements, stating, "I hope people focus and judge them for their football, what they’re achieving on the pitch."

City reported revenues of 712.8 million pounds ($876.17m) for the period ending June 2023, along with a record net profit of 80.4 million pounds ($106.5m). However, the Premier League’s CEO, Richard Masters, confirmed a hearing date for the financial rule breach charges, though the exact timing remains undisclosed. "Legal processes rarely take less time than anticipated. We have to be patient," he told Sky Sports.

Timeline of the financial investigation

EventDetails
2023Premier League charges 115 financial rule breaches against Manchester City
2024Independent commission hearing held from September to December
2026Verdict reported: 114 charges found guilty, one remaining unconfirmed
2025Settlement reached over Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules
2026Guardiola announces departure after 10 seasons; Enzo Maresca appointed as successor

The case originated from a four-year investigation into alleged misreporting of financial data, including failures to provide accurate information about player and manager payments, compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, and cooperation with league inquiries. Specific charges included 54 instances of failing to provide accurate financial information, 14 related to payment details, and 7 breaches of profitability rules.

The ruling comes after a separate 2025 settlement where City accepted the validity of APT rules, ending a legal dispute over commercial deals with affiliated companies. However, the current case remains unresolved, with the club’s appeal expected to prolong the process.

Club response and potential consequences

Manchester City has categorically denied any wrongdoing, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expressing confidence in their legal position. The club’s statement emphasized its commitment to due process and criticized the Premier League’s regulatory framework. However, the verdict has sparked immediate speculation about the impact on the club’s legacy, including the possibility of title revocations.

The Premier League has not yet announced its stance on sanctions, but reports indicate that the club’s appeal could delay any final decision for months. The independent commission’s findings are not binding, as City has the right to challenge them before a different panel. However, the club cannot escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which previously overturned its Champions League ban in 2020.

City’s financial disclosures reveal a significant increase in revenue and profit, with the club emphasizing its economic resilience amid the legal challenges. The Premier League, however, has remained silent on the verdict, stating, "It’s a confidential process, we’re not commenting at all," via a spokesperson.