Manchester City’s long-running financial case has taken a major turn, with an independent commission finding the Premier League champions guilty of serious financial rule breaches covering nine seasons.
The Premier League confirmed the decision on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, following the conclusion of the commission’s review into alleged breaches spanning the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons. The commission also found City guilty of most of the charges relating to the club’s cooperation with the league’s investigation.
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What were the breaches about?
At the centre of the case were rules requiring clubs to provide accurate financial information. The commission found that Manchester City had failed to properly report aspects of its financial affairs, including agreements that, according to the findings, did not accurately reflect the arrangements between the parties.
The commission also concluded that City failed to provide certain information and documents requested during the Premier League’s investigation.
The case was formally referred to an independent commission in February 2023 after a four-year investigation. The original charges covered a wide range of areas, including financial reporting, sponsorship income, payments to players and managers, and compliance with profitability and sustainability regulations.
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No punishment has been announced yet
For now, the verdict does not come with an immediate sporting punishment.
The Premier League has made clear that important parts of the process are still outstanding, particularly the question of sanctions. Depending on the eventual outcome of the disciplinary process, Premier League rules provide for possible penalties ranging from financial sanctions and points deductions to suspension or, in the most serious circumstances, expulsion.
That means any talk of a confirmed points deduction, relegation or other sporting punishment would be premature at this stage.
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Manchester City to challenge the findings
Manchester City have rejected the commission’s findings and remain committed to challenging the decision through the available appeal process. The club has maintained that it is innocent of the accusations and says it has substantial evidence supporting its position.
The next major step will therefore be the appeal process. The Premier League has given City until October 2 to appeal the findings, meaning the case is far from its final chapter.
For now, the key development is straightforward: the independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of serious financial breaches covering the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons, but the club’s eventual punishment, if any, will only become clear after the remaining disciplinary and appeal processes are completed.