Manchester City is facing a new stage in its long-running legal battle with the Premier League. Multiple reports say an independent commission found the club guilty of the vast majority of the financial rule breaches brought against it. Manchester City says the process remains ongoing and has not accepted the reported findings.
The Premier League charged City in February 2023 after a lengthy investigation into the club's finances. The allegations include claims about sponsorship revenue and financial information provided by the club between 2009 and 2018.
No official commission decision or punishment has yet been published.
Manchester City has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and says it has evidence supporting its position. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said after reports of the verdict that “nothing has changed” and that the club has overcome challenges before. The club's September 25 statement said significant parts of the process still had to be completed.
Lord Pannick KC has been part of Manchester City’s legal team in the case. The Premier League's disciplinary process allows an independent commission to impose fines or points deductions as well as other sporting sanctions.
Reports have also raised the possibility of much stronger penalties if the findings are upheld. Reuters reported that possible consequences could include relegation while The Guardian has discussed options such as a large fine and a points deduction. No sanction has been formally announced.
Manchester City is expected to challenge any adverse ruling through the Premier League appeal process.
Premier League rules allow a new appeal board to review a commission decision. Those proceedings are also held in private and the process could extend the dispute well beyond the publication of the initial ruling. An appeal in this case would not go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Other clubs are growing impatient with the lack of a published decision according to The Guardian. Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has continued to say the club intends to clear its name. The Premier League has not announced when the commission's full decision or any sanctions will be made public.
Fans and stakeholders are watching closely as the legal battle continues. The case has highlighted the tension between financial ambition and regulatory compliance in elite football.