Manchester City has reportedly been found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges related to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial fair play rules, as reported on September 25, 2026. The charges were first brought against the club in February 2023. The Premier League referred City to an independent commission regarding more than 100 alleged breaches, which include failing to provide accurate financial information, breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, and failing to cooperate with investigations.
City manager Pep Guardiola stated that the club has already been 'condemned' following the charges, drawing a parallel to previous UEFA charges where the club was ultimately found innocent. Guardiola expressed a desire for the financial charges to be resolved quickly, suggesting a prompt meeting with legal representatives.
City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expressed frustration over the situation, stating it detracts from the team's achievements, including their recent treble win. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the players' performance on the pitch.
The club reported revenues of £712.8 million ($876.17 million) for the year ending June 2023, marking a 16.3% increase from the previous season, along with a record net profit of £80.4 million ($106.5 million).
Premier League CEO Richard Masters confirmed that a hearing date has been set for the financial breach charges, although he could not disclose the exact timing. The hearing is expected to last approximately 10 weeks. In a separate arbitration, both City and the Premier League claimed victory regarding sponsorship deals that the club was previously blocked from completing.
The hearing into City’s alleged violations is set to conclude with a decision expected in early 2025. Guardiola had anticipated a verdict within a month following significant player acquisitions in the January transfer window. Masters acknowledged the frustration surrounding the delay in reaching a verdict, noting that legal processes often take longer than expected.
Reports indicate that City has been found guilty of nearly all charges, and the club is expected to appeal the decision. The Premier League has not commented on the ongoing process, citing confidentiality. City has not provided immediate comments but mentioned that the inquiry remains ongoing.