The 115 charges saga has taken a dramatic turn. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty on virtually all of the charges brought against them by the Premier League.
The news broke via an exclusive update from Ornstein, who stated that City seem to have been judged to have breached the Premier League's financial regulations. The independent commission's verdict, if accurate, represents a seismic moment for the club and the English game.
City, however, are not going down without a fight. The club plan to appeal against the verdict, a move that could delay any potential sanctions for some time yet. The Athletic report that sanctions remain undecided, with the process still ongoing. It is not yet clear what kind of punishment could be handed down.
There has previously been talk of heavy points deductions, and The Athletic note that expulsion from the Premier League is even a possibility. For now, though, the exact consequences are unknown, and it is not yet clear when any specific action will be taken.
Throughout, City have maintained their innocence. A club spokesperson told The Athletic: “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.”
That statement, issued over three years ago, saw the club express confidence that they had abided by all the rules correctly. They have diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.
Even as things appear to stack up against them, City are standing firmly by that position. The coming weeks and months will reveal what comes next, but for now, the club and its supporters are left waiting.