Man City refuse to deny guilty verdicts in PL case of 115 financial breaches

Manchester City have refused to deny there has been a guilty verdict in the majority of charges of financial breaches in their legal case with the Premier League, sources have told ESPN.

Both the club and the Premier League have been approached by ESPN over reports that City have been found guilty in 114 of 115 counts by an independent panel.

When contacted by ESPN on Friday, the Premier League said they wouldn't comment on a "private and confidential process."

City also refused to deny that they have been informed of the panel's decision and instead released a statement insisting that the process "remains ongoing."

One source has told ESPN that City sought an injunction on Friday to block initial reporting of the verdict. City strongly denied that is the case when approached by ESPN.

It is expected that City -- who could face anything from a fine, points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League by way of punishment -- will appeal any guilty verdict.

A statement issued by City on Friday read: "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.

"The club has 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."

The Premier League announced the charges against City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.

The case was heard at an independent hearing at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, beginning in September 2024. It came to an end in December 2024 after 12 weeks of deliberations.

The alleged breaches of financial rules were said to have occurred over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.

The Premier League's claim was centred around their belief that City did not provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position."

City have maintained their innocence throughout the process.

In February 2020, City were found guilty of breaking UEFA's FFP rules and given a two-year ban from European competition and €30m fine.

The suspension was lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) five months later with the fine reduced to €10m.