Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them over the Premier League's financial regulations. The verdict, reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, lands more than three years after the charges were first made in February 2023.
The charges stem from accusations that City failed to provide accurate financial information to the Premier League, including details of payments to players and coaches. They also relate to alleged breaches of UEFA's financial fair play regulations and the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.
The club has consistently denied any of the accusations.
What happens next
Where the punishment lands is still unknown. Points deductions are one possibility, and more severe sanctions — including being forced out of the league altogether — have not been ruled out. City retain the right to appeal, though any punishment could take effect while that process plays out.
Previous titles won under former manager Pep Guardiola could also be at risk of being stripped.
City top the table by three points after five games. Any deduction would cut into that lead, and the timing of a decision is anyone's guess.
Current manager Enzo Maresca and his squad would bear the brunt of whatever comes down the line. That is the reality of a case that has dragged on for years and shows no sign of a quick resolution.