A number of Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice as they expect Manchester City to be found guilty of hundreds of breaches of financial rules, sources have told ESPN.

An independent panel that heard the Premier League’s case against City has reached a decision, but the outcome has not been formally communicated, the sources said. One source told ESPN that the panel’s deliberations lasted 22 months.

Panel Decision not Formally Shared

City have declined to deny that they have been told a guilty verdict has been delivered for most of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League. The league did not comment when approached by ESPN.

City’s position comes as officials at the Etihad Stadium say any guilty findings would be met with an immediate appeal. No sanctions against City have been announced.

Clubs Weigh Legal Options

Several Premier League executives now believe that hundreds of rule breaches have been proven, according to ESPN sources. In that context, some clubs are considering potential compensation claims for losses they believe they suffered as a result of City’s conduct.

The sources said some clubs believe they have missed out on significant revenue, including prize money, sponsorship-related bonuses and income linked to participation in European competitions.

City Maintain Case Still Ongoing

City have continued to deny any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. On Friday, the club issued a statement saying the Premier League process remains under way, with further elements still to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality.

City also said it had followed due process for eight years, based on the expectation that the Premier League board and executive would act as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from outside influence.

Join the discussion?

26 September 2026

View full article

Man City Found Guilty of Breaking Financial Rules

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of breaching the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of violating.

The Athletic reports that an independent panel has reached its decision, finding the club guilty on all but one count. Any sanctions resulting from the findings have yet to be decided.

The Premier League has declined to comment on the reported decision.

Manchester City have also declined to confirm or deny the report. Instead, the club issued a statement saying the "Premier League process remains ongoing with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality".

The club added that it had "diligently respected due process for eight years" on the understanding that the Premier League board and executive would act as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.

City are expected to appeal against any findings of wrongdoing.

Other Premier League clubs are also believed to have been informed about the independent panel's decision. Some have reportedly sought legal advice over whether they could pursue compensation claims for losses they believe resulted from City's alleged financial breaches.

Join the discussion?

26 September 2026

Disgraceful decision.

Those red devils from Salford have clearly infiltrated the panel. The know they can't beat us fairly.

As a Clayton lad I am shocked and will be investigating this.

Come on Citeh.

Manchester is blue.