What Next for Manchester City After Charges Verdict?

Manchester City faces significant uncertainty following a verdict regarding the 115 charges of financial breaches levelled against it. The verdict, which was reported on September 25, 2026, stated that City had been found guilty of nearly all charges, marking a culmination of a four-year investigation that began with charges in February 2023.

The charges included 54 instances of failure to provide accurate financial information from 2009-10 to 2017-18, 14 instances related to player and manager payment inaccuracies, and breaches of UEFA’s financial fair play rules among others. In total, there were seven breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules and 35 instances of failure to cooperate with investigations.

City has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has indicated an intention to appeal against the verdict. Der Spiegel published leaked documents suggesting City inflated sponsorship revenues, raising concerns about financial improprieties at the club following its 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). In response, City criticized the leaks and investigations as attempts to damage its reputation.

The timeline of events dates back to November 2018 when allegations first emerged. Following UEFA's investigation in 2019 and subsequent appeals by the club, City’s European ban was overturned in July 2020. Despite this, the Premier League continued its investigation, leading to the current charges.

The potential sanctions for the club include a points deduction, financial penalties, or even removal from the Premier League. Such a removal would result in demotion to a lower division, either through direct removal or severe point deductions.

The Premier League has declined to comment further as highlighted by City’s recent statement expressing frustration over the leaked verdict news. The club emphasized that the Premier League process is ongoing and that its legal team, led by Lord Pannick KC, is prepared to appeal. However, it remains unclear how long this process will take, especially considering the lengthy timeline already established.

In terms of titles, if the commission decides to revoke City’s accomplishments, teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and others could be beneficiaries of titles including the Premier League and domestic cups won during the alleged periods of financial misconduct.