Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial violation charges put against them.
It was in February 2023 that the Premier League accused Manchester City of committing 115 financial violations that allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2018.
The club have consistently denied the allegations.
The Athletic reported that City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges and the club are expected to appeal the decision.
The site further reported that it is still unclear what sanctions are in question, but heavy fines, points deductions and even forced relegation are raised as options.
The Telegraph has previously reported that City, in the event of exclusion from the Premier League, could be allowed to start over in the fifth division National League.
Should City be sentenced to a points deduction, it could also be done retroactively, which means they could lose league titles.
The background is that between 2009/10 and 2017/18, Manchester City is accused of not having provided accurate information that reflected the club’s true financial situation. So it is a systematic financial fraud that is now being accused.
During the time Roberto Mancini was head coach of the club, that is, between the 2009/10 and 2012/13 seasons, Manchester City have been accused of not providing complete and accurate information about the coach’s salary.
The Premier League also found that Manchester City between the 2013/14 and 2017/18 seasons did not comply with UEFA’s regulations for club licensing and Financial Fair Play, which is contrary to Premier League rules.
An anonymous spokesperson for Manchester City said the club remain surprised by the allegations.
“The Premier League process is still ongoing. Key elements are to be finalised and are subject to strict confidentiality. The club’s position remains the same as in the statement made in February 2023.,” he said.
Later Friday, The Athletic reported that several Premier League clubs are planning legal action against Manchester City, and have reportedly engaged leading lawyers to assess what they might be entitled to in the event of a conviction.
Those efforts are said to have been intensified after the latest information.
The Athletic further reported that several clubs have been informed that they may be entitled to compensation, but that this will only be relevant after City’s appeal process has reached an end.
