Manchester City is anticipated to be found guilty on the majority of financial breach charges in its ongoing legal dispute with the Premier League, a source confirmed to ESPN.
In a statement, City did not dispute the guilty verdicts, stating that the process “remains ongoing.”
When contacted by ESPN on Friday, the Premier League declined to comment on the “private and confidential process.”
The Athletic first reported Friday that City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges by an independent panel.
One source told ESPN that City sought an injunction Friday to block the initial reporting of the verdict. City strongly denied this claim when approached by ESPN.
City, which could face penalties ranging from a fine to a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League, is expected to appeal any guilty verdict.
A statement issued by City on Friday read: “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements yet to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such, Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement from February 2023.”
“The club has diligently respected due process over eight years, operating on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would act as an independent, impartial, and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”
The Premier League announced the charges against City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
The case was heard at an independent hearing at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, beginning in September 2024. It concluded in December 2024 after 12 weeks of deliberations.
The alleged breaches of financial rules were said to have occurred over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
The Premier League’s claim centered on its belief that City failed to provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position.”
City have maintained their innocence throughout the process.
In February 2020, City were found guilty of violating UEFA’s financial fair play rules and received a two-year ban from European competition and a €30m fine.
The suspension was lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport five months later, with the fine reduced to €10m.
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