Manchester City have been found guilty on almost all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations. According to sources, City were found guilty on 114 out of 115 charges. The sanctions have not been decided, and City are expected to appeal. A City spokesperson stated that the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.
The charges against City relate to alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018. The investigation began after German newspaper Der Spiegel published leaked financial documents from City in November 2018. City were accused of failing to provide accurate financial information and details of payments to players and coaches, as well as breaches of UEFA's financial fair play regulations and the league's own profitability and sustainability rules.
City have always denied the allegations. In February 2023, the club stated that they were "surprised" by the charges and welcomed the review of the matter by an independent commission. The commission's decision is a significant development in the long-running case. City's statement in February 2023 expressed confidence in their position, citing "irrefutable evidence" to support their claims.
The Premier League's investigation and subsequent charges have been a lengthy process. In February 2020, UEFA hit City with a two-year ban from its competitions and a €30million fine following the Der Spiegel leaks. However, these sanctions were overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport five months later. CAS reversed the two-year ban but upheld an £8.8m fine for not cooperating with UEFA.
The Premier League's chief executive, Richard Masters, has faced repeated questions about the City case. Last month, Masters acknowledged that the process had "taken longer than expected" but insisted that the "only available route" was to "let the process take its course". In January 2024, Masters confirmed to a UK parliament select committee hearing that a date for City's hearing had been set but refused to reveal it.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has called for a more "balanced approach" towards the Premier League's financial regulations. In June 2024, Al Mubarak stated that the Premier League should adopt a more sensible approach to regulating clubs. City have won numerous titles under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour, including eight Premier League titles and one Champions League.
The potential sanctions for City's breaches are outlined in the Premier League's handbook. The club could face a range of punishments, including fines, points deductions, or even expulsion from the Premier League. Any points deduction could be applied retrospectively, raising the prospect of City being stripped of titles. The club's new manager, Enzo Maresca, has started the 2026-27 season strongly, with five wins from five games.
Key points
- Manchester City found guilty on almost all Premier League charges relating to financial breaches
- The club faces potential sanctions, including fines, points deductions, or expulsion from the Premier League
- City's new manager, Enzo Maresca, has started the 2026-27 season strongly, with five wins from five games
