Reports say Manchester City found guilty of majority of 115 Premier League charges
Manchester City case moves toward appeal after reported tribunal decision
Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of the majority of the 115 financial-rule breaches brought against the club by the Premier League, according to sources cited by BBC Sport and reports covered by Sky Sports News.
The Athletic has reported that an independent panel found City guilty of all but one count, although the precise outcome and any possible sanctions have not been officially published. Sky Sports News understands that the process is now moving toward an appeal stage.
The Premier League has declined to comment, while Manchester City have not confirmed or denied the reports. In a statement, the club said: “The Premier League process remains ongoing with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.”
City added that they had “diligently respected due process for eight years” on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would act as “an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence”. BBC Sport has been told that the club would appeal if found guilty.
What are the charges?
The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in February 2023 after a four-year investigation into alleged breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The hearing began in September 2024 and concluded after around 12 weeks in December.
- 54 charges over allegedly inaccurate financial information.
- 14 charges concerning details of player and manager payments.
- Five alleged breaches of Uefa rules, including Financial Fair Play regulations.
- Seven alleged breaches of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
- 35 charges alleging a failure to co-operate with the Premier League’s investigation.
The charges cover the managerial tenures of Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, as well as the early years of Pep Guardiola’s time in charge. City have consistently denied the allegations, saying their position is supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”.
Sanctions have not been decided
No punishment has been announced. Potential sanctions could only be determined after the findings and any appeal process are completed, and the proceedings remain private and confidential.
The case covers a period in which City won eight trophies, including three Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Community Shield and the FA Cup. Other Premier League clubs are believed to have been informed of the panel’s decision.
The reports come after separate legal disputes over the league’s Associated Party Transaction rules. City and the Premier League reached a settlement in September 2025, with the club accepting that the rules were valid and binding and both sides agreeing to end those proceedings. That separate settlement does not resolve the 115-charge case.