Manchester City found guilty of most financial charges; appeal expected

An independent panel has reportedly found Manchester City guilty of nearly all of the more than 100 financial charges brought by the Premier League in February 2023. The charges cover alleged misrepresentation of club finances over a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018.

Manchester City has not confirmed the verdict, stating the process remains "ongoing" and subject to strict confidentiality. The club maintains its position denying the charges and insists it has respected due process for eight years.

“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years, on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator.”

Sanctions have not yet been determined, with all options reportedly open, including a significant points deduction or potential expulsion from the Premier League. The Premier League declined to comment on the reports when contacted by the Associated Press.

City is expected to appeal any guilty finding to a separate independent panel, a process that could take several months. The club cannot take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, unlike its successful 2020 appeal against a UEFA ban.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged fans not to "jump to conclusions" and said he would like to read the independent commission's report before commenting further.