Rui Pinto hails historic verdict as Man City found guilty of 114 charges

In a cramped office in Lisbon, Portuguese whistleblower Rui Pinto stared at his laptop as the Premier League’s decision flashed across the screen, confirming Manchester City’s guilt on 114 of 115 financial‑fair‑play charges. The founder of Football Leaks broke his silence, calling the ruling ‘historic’ and urging fans to ‘fasten your seat belts’.

Verdict and reaction

Pinto, whose leaks of private club emails triggered the investigation, said the outcome vindicated the work he carried out through Football Leaks. He wrote that the decision would be “devastating for the Premier League leaders”.

Manchester City, however, has maintained its innocence, reiterating the statement issued in February 2023 that the club was “surprised” by the charges and that it welcomes an independent review.

Club’s response and possible sanctions

In a statement released on Friday, the club said the Premier League process remains ongoing and that its position stays consistent with the February 2023 declaration. It warned that any sanction – ranging from a fine to a points deduction or even expulsion – could be imposed before an appeal is heard.

Manchester City case urges Premier League clubs to act

Scott Trotter, Sports Writer for Sport, posted the story at 08:55 on 26 Sep 2026, accompanied by two images and a “View 2 Images” prompt. The article, tagged under Sport and Football, highlighted that the whistleblower lives under police protection and has faced legal issues for his disclosures.

Throughout the saga, the club’s legal team has stressed respect for due process over eight years, insisting the Premier League board should act as an independent, impartial regulator.

Manchester City under a historic Premier League sanction

The verdict has reignited debate about financial governance in English football, with pundits suggesting the ruling could reshape how clubs manage their accounts.