Citizens face record sanctions after 114 recognized violations

An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of 114 of the 115 financial violations alleged by the Premier League, according to The Athletic. The decision, if upheld at the end of the process, could have extremely serious consequences for the future of the Citizens and for the entire English football landscape.

Recognition of the independent commission

The commission's outcome, published by The Athletic, indicates that Manchester City has breached almost all the infractions raised by the Premier League. The finding of 114 violations out of 115 represents a decisive step in the disciplinary process. The Premier League authorities will now assess the severity of the sanctions.

The club responded with an official statement, reiterating that the procedure is still ongoing and subject to strict confidentiality obligations. A spokesperson said: “The Premier League's procedure is still ongoing, with significant aspects yet to be completed, and it is subject to a strict confidentiality obligation.” Moreover, City emphasized that it has “diligently respected due process for eight years”.

History of the case and UEFA decisions

The case originated in November 2018, when Der Spiegel published Football Leaks documents that called into question Manchester City's financial management. UEFA launched an investigation and, in February 2020, imposed a two‑year ban from European competitions on the club and a fine of €30 million. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later overturned the European ban, deeming some accusations unproven or time‑barred.

Manchester City face severe penalties as Premier League probe deepens

Despite the reversal, City was penalised for lack of cooperation, with the fine reduced to roughly £8.8 million. At the same time, the Premier League concluded its investigation in February 2023, issuing 115 charges relating to the 2009‑2018 period and to non‑cooperation with investigators.

Possible Premier League sanctions

The Premier League's accusations include 54 alleged violations for failing to disclose accurate financial information between the 2009‑10 and 2017‑18 seasons, 14 relating to payments to players and coaches, seven concerning profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), five on breaches of UEFA Financial Fair Play, and 35 for non‑cooperation from December 2018 to February 2023. The Premier League's regulations, particularly rule W.51, give the disciplinary panel wide discretion in selecting punishments, which can range from a simple formal warning, to financial fines, to points deductions in the league table or even expulsion from the Premier League. A points deduction could be applied retroactively, raising questions about the results City achieved in the years under investigation.

Manchester City case urges Premier League clubs to act

According to several English sports‑law experts, revoking the titles won appears unlikely, although the Premier League may intervene in the standings. During the period under review, Manchester City won three Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, four League Cups and a Community Shield, as well as eight English league titles, four FA Cups, seven League Cups and a Champions League since 2008. The 2023 European triumph over Inter is not at risk, as the procedure concerns only the Premier League. The club has already announced its intention to appeal the commission's decision.