Reports indicate that an independent tribunal has made findings regarding the 115 charges against Manchester City, with many of the charges allegedly proven. The inquiry is now moving into the appeal stage, according to Sky Sports News. The Premier League has declined to comment on the ongoing confidential process.
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A spokesperson for Manchester City stated, "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such, Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023."
The spokesperson emphasized that the club has adhered to due process for eight years, expecting the Premier League Board and Executive to act as impartial regulators.
Manchester City has been charged with violating the Premier League's financial regulations from 2009 to 2018, as well as failing to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation between 2019 and 2023. City has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their defense relies on irrefutable evidence.
The allegations include 54 counts related to providing inaccurate financial information and 35 counts of non-cooperation with the investigation. Additionally, there are 14 charges concerning inaccurate details on player and manager payments for the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, along with seven charges for breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules in 2015-16 and 2017-18. Five charges also relate to non-compliance with UEFA regulations, including Financial Fair Play rules for the 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons.
If the commission rules against Manchester City, potential punishments could include a points deduction, fines, or even expulsion from the Premier League, as the league does not have predetermined sanctions for financial violations. The lack of a defined sanctions grid has been a concern among clubs, who worry that knowing potential penalties would encourage them to breach rules without fear of specific consequences. Richard Masters of the Premier League mentioned in February 2025 that discussions were underway to establish such a sanctions framework, but it has not yet been implemented.
Previous cases of points deductions include Everton, which faced a deduction of six points followed by two for breaches of profitability regulations during the 2023/24 season, and Nottingham Forest, which received a four-point deduction in the same period. In 2008/09, Luton Town was deducted 30 points for illegal payments and administrative issues, while Derby County faced a 21-point deduction in 2021/22 due to administration and financial irregularities.