Man City have reportedly been found guilty on all but one of the charges levelled at them by the Premier League.
The club were hit with 115 charges in February 2023 following a four-year investigation into breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
The alleged breaches, which City have always denied, occurred between 2009 and 2018. The charges were referred to an independent panel to adjudicate the charges.
A City spokesperson gave a brief statement to The Athletic, who broke the news of the guilty verdict, on the matter.
“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 other 19 clubs were informed of the verdict on Thursday, it is believed.
Man City found guilty – what next?
The independent panel will likely make their decision public in due course and hand out what they deem an appropriate punishment to Man City.
Possible sanctions include a reprimand, fines, points deduction and even expulsion from the top flight. A points deduction could be delivered immediately or retrospectively, which could strip City of past titles.
According to rule W.51.7 of the Premier League’s handbook, the panel could combine a range of sanctions.
Whichever way the judgement goes, both the Premier League and City will have the chance to appeal within 14 days of the ruling.
A three-person commission would then review the case. The members of the commission would be selected by by Murray Rosen KC, the chair of the Premier League’s judicial panel.
This would lead to a further delay of the meting out of any sanctions until the appeals process is complete. But once their decision is made, it is final. It cannot be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), like City did when they were were found guilty of breaking UEFA’s financial fair-play (FFP) rules.
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