Premier League panel finds Manchester City guilty of most financial rule breaches
An independent panel concluded Manchester City violated the majority of the 115 financial regulations it was accused of breaching, with sanctions yet to be announced.
An independent panel has concluded that Manchester City breached the majority of the 115 Premier League financial rules it was charged with violating. The panel found the club guilty on all but one count, although the specific sanctions have not been disclosed.
The Premier League declined to comment on the findings, and the club did not confirm the report. In a statement, Manchester City said the Premier League process remains ongoing and is subject to strict confidentiality. > "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, free from partisan influence," the statement added.
BBC Sport reported that the club intends to appeal the decision if it is formally confirmed. The charges stem from a four-year investigation that began in February 2023 and cover alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, spanning the tenures of managers Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and the early years of Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City has consistently denied the allegations, claiming its case is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" and that it provided accurate financial information. The club also highlighted its on-field success during the period, which included eight trophies.
The case follows earlier disputes with the Premier League over associated-party transaction rules and sponsorship regulations, which were partially resolved through arbitration and settlement in 2025.