London: Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of 115 alleged financial breaches following a landmark investigation by the Premier League, as per reports on Friday, 25 September 2026. The decision by a three-member independent commission marks the largest liability finding in the history of English top-flight football. The tribunal cleared the seven-time Premier League champions on only one charge, concluding a multi-year legal saga that began when the league formally charged the club in February 2023 following an extensive four-year inquiry into their financial accounting practices.

Scope of the Financial Regulations Breached

The charges against Manchester City spanned a nine-year period between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, during which the club won three Premier League titles. The breaches primarily involved failing to provide accurate and fair financial information regarding revenue, sponsorship deals, and operational costs to give a true view of the club's financial position. Additionally, the independent commission upheld findings that the club breached Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and repeatedly failed to co-operate with the Premier League’s formal investigation.

Pending Sanctions and Expected Legal Appeal

While the independent commission published its liability finding, specific penalties have not yet been finalised by the panel. Potential punishments under Premier League rule W.51 range from financial fines and reprimands to immediate or retrospective points deductions, which could jeopardise past title wins, and even potential expulsion from the top flight. Manchester City are expected to lodge a formal appeal against the verdict, with a club spokesperson maintaining that the organisation has diligently respected due process while awaiting the completion of ongoing legal proceedings.