Manchester City have been found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations following a long-running investigation that has placed the club’s finances under intense scrutiny.
An independent commission ruled that City were guilty of all charges relating to serious financial breaches covering nine seasons, from 2009/10 to 2017/18. The commission also upheld three of four charges concerning the club’s failure to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.
According to the Premier League, the commission found that Manchester City used what it described as “sham” commercial agreements with several sponsors as part of arrangements that artificially increased the club’s reported revenue and reduced its costs.
The league said the schemes affected the club’s finances by more than £900 million during the period under investigation. It also said City submitted accounts that did not accurately reflect the club’s financial position to auditors and football regulators.
The commission further found that Manchester City would have breached both Premier League and UEFA spending limits by a substantial amount if the relevant financial arrangements had been reported accurately.
The case began after the Premier League launched its investigation in December 2018. The league formally referred its complaint to an independent commission in 2023 after bringing more than 100 alleged rule breaches against the club.
The independent commission held a 42-day hearing, which concluded in December 2024, before delivering its decision in September 2026.
Manchester City have rejected the findings and maintained their innocence. The club has confirmed that it intends to appeal the decision, arguing that the ruling contains what it considers to be significant errors of fact, law and principle. City have until October 2, 2026, to formally lodge an appeal under Premier League rules.
The guilty verdict does not yet determine the club’s punishment.
The Premier League said the question of sanctions will be considered separately by an independent commission at a further hearing. Possible sanctions under the league’s rules can include financial penalties, points deductions and other sporting measures.
The outcome could therefore have major implications for Manchester City, depending on the eventual sanction and the result of any appeal.
The ruling has already generated widespread reaction across English football, with attention now shifting to the punishment stage and the appeal process.
For now, however, Manchester City remain entitled to challenge the commission’s findings, meaning the long-running financial case is not yet at its final stage.