After a four-year investigation and a three-year wait for a decision on guilt or innocence, Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them related to the Premier League's financial regulations, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. What isn't yet known is what the punishment could be.
The initial charges were made in February 2023 and stem from City being accused of failing to provide accurate financial information to the Premier League and details of payments to players and coaches. The charges also relate to alleged breaches of UEFA’s financial fair play regulations and the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.
Man City has consistently denied any of the accusations, though now that the club has been found guilty, more steps will follow. That includes City being able to appeal whatever punishment is handed down, and the type of punishment and how long it will take to learn what the club could face are unknown.
Manchester City found guilty of 114 charges for financial disclosure breaches
What seems clear is that after nearly seven years of investigation and a ruling on charges, fans and the club will need to wait a while longer on what the next step will be. The punishment could include the current club having points deducted, which, obviously, could affect whether Man City wins the Premier League this season or not. The team is three points clear on the table after five games.
More severe punishment could also be in store, such as being forced out of the league altogether. This seems unlikely, but anything is possible at this point. Again, however, no matter what type of discipline is imposed, City has a right to appeal, though while the appeal is going on, the punishment could already be taking effect.
The initial investigation began after Der Spiegel, a German newspaper, published documents that were not intended for public consumption. The alleged breaches by Man City occurred between 2009 and 2018, a year after Abu Dhabi United Group, led by Sheikh Mansour, acquired the club.
One would assume that if the finding of guilt and whatever punishment is handed down is upheld, after Manchester City presumably appeals, then the ownership group would face a heavy fine. Manchester City could even see previous titles won under former manager Pep Guardiola stripped.
That would be unfair to current manager Enzo Maresca and the current squad, but it is the club that has been found guilty, of course. What is happening now on the pitch is of no consequence to the current players and manager, except for the fact the current squad could lose points and the Premier League title along with them.
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