Man City release strongly-worded statement after being found guilty of 114 Premier League charges
Despite reports suggesting they have been found guilty on 114 charges relating to financial breaches, Manchester City have issued a statement insisting that the Premier League process remains "ongoing".
A report from The Athletic on Friday (September 25) claimed that City have been found guilty on almost all of the charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
No sanctions have been decided as of yet, and City are expected to appeal the verdict from the independent commission.
READ MORE: Man City found guilty on almost all of 115 charges as verdict finally released
Manchester City release statement after being found guilty of charges brought against them
Soon after the report emerged, Manchester City issued a statement addressing the situation.
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It 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."
Back in February 2023, the Premier League charged City with breaking financial fair play rules on 115 occasions over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
At the time, City stated they were "surprised" by the Premier League's financial charges, "particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with."
A statement added: “The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
What punishment could Man City face?
City were establishing themselves as one of Europe's top competitors between 2009 and 2018, spending around €1.44bn on new players, according to figures from Transfermarkt. They also lifted the Premier League title on three occasions in 2012, 2014 and 2018.
Since the charges were brought against them in 2023, City have strenuously denied any wrongdoing, claiming they have a "body of irrefutable evidence" that has been provided as part of their defence.
Potential punishments for the breaches include fines, points deductions or even, in the most severe scenario, relegation from the Premier League.
Here's what punishments the independent commission can impose on a club.
- Suspend a club from playing league matches
- Points deductions
- Recommend to the board that league matches be replayed
- Recommend to the board that the league expels the respondent club
- Order compensation
- Cancel or refuse registration of players
- Conditional punishment
- Order the club to pay costs
- Make such other order as it thinks fit
Topics: Man City, Premier League
Jack Kenmare