Man City found guilty Of 114 Premier League charges

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against the club by the Premier League over alleged financial breaches.

According to a report by The Athletic on Friday, the verdict followed an independent hearing that lasted more than two years. However, no punishment has been determined, with the reigning English champions expected to appeal the findings.

The case dates back to 2023, when the Premier League charged City over alleged breaches said to have occurred between 2009 and 2018.

The charges include allegations that the club failed to provide accurate financial information and disclose details relating to payments made to players and coaches. City were also accused of violating financial sustainability regulations.

The club has consistently denied the allegations.

The development could have significant implications for Manchester City’s recent dominance of English football, which began after Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the club in 2008.

Since then, City have won eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups and one UEFA Champions League trophy.

The allegations gained wider attention following leaked documents published by German magazine Der Spiegel in 2018.

Some of the documents reportedly contained emails allegedly exchanged by senior City officials concerning sponsorship arrangements involving Abu Dhabi-controlled companies, including Etihad and Etisalat.

The documents were said to suggest that money provided by Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group was presented as sponsorship revenue.

Other leaked material allegedly indicated that former City manager Roberto Mancini received payments through consultancy arrangements involving an Abu Dhabi-based club.

If the reported findings stand after any appeal and a sanction is imposed, Manchester City could face a substantial points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.

The potential consequences are particularly significant given that Everton and Nottingham Forest were deducted points during the 2023/24 season for separate breaches of the league’s profit and sustainability rules.

A major punishment could also create uncertainty around the futures of several of City’s leading players, including Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

The case could further trigger claims from other clubs seeking the removal of titles or compensation if it is established that Manchester City obtained an unfair sporting advantage from the alleged financial breaches.

The Premier League’s final sanction, however, remains pending, while City are expected to challenge the reported findings through the appropriate appeal process.