Man City 115 Charges: What the Reported Verdict and Appeal Mean

Manchester City have appealed after an independent commission reportedly found them guilty of 114 of the 115 Premier League charges brought against them in 2023. It is the most serious case in Premier League history, and its outcome could reshape the record books and the league table.

Here is a clear guide to what has been reported, what has been confirmed and what could happen next.

What was reported on 25 September

On 25 September 2026, The Athletic and The Times reported that the independent commission had upheld all but one of the charges. The Premier League declined to comment, saying the case is confidential, and the full written decision has not been made public.

City responded that the process was still ongoing, with significant elements yet to be completed. The next day, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak wrote to supporters saying the process still had a long way to run and that the club remained confident of proving its innocence.

What the 115 charges cover

The Premier League announced the charges in February 2023 after a four-year investigation. They fall into five groups:

54 charges of failing to provide accurate financial information between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons.

14 charges relating to payments to players and managers.

5 charges of breaching UEFA financial rules.

7 charges of breaching Premier League profitability and sustainability rules.

35 charges of failing to cooperate with the investigation between December 2018 and February 2023.

The commission's hearing began on 16 September 2024 and ran for around ten weeks, with closing arguments in December 2024. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters had admitted the process took longer than expected.

City's appeal

City lodged what they called a comprehensive appeal on 1 October 2026, a day before the deadline, and confirmed it publicly the next day. The club argues that the commission's opinion contains clear errors of law, principle and fact and should not stand. City have denied wrongdoing throughout and say they will respect due process.

Reports indicate that an appeal will be heard by a new appeal panel. No date has been announced, and the process could take several months.

What punishment could City face?

No sanctions have been announced. Premier League rules allow for financial penalties, points deductions and suspension, and a commission can also recommend expulsion from the league.

Until the appeal is decided, City continue to play as normal. Any sanction is likely to come only after the appeal process is complete.

Why this matters beyond Manchester

The case is a test of whether football's financial rules can be enforced against the richest clubs. Sponsorship income, owner investment and transfer spending all shape who wins trophies. If the findings stand, the case will set a precedent for how the Premier League polices club finances in future.

Scorer254 will update this story as the appeal progresses.

Frequently asked questions

Have Manchester City been found guilty?

Media reports say an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of 115 charges. The decision has not been officially published, and City have appealed.

Can Manchester City be relegated?

Premier League rules allow for severe sanctions, including points deductions, and a commission can recommend expulsion. No punishment has been decided yet.

When will the appeal be decided?

No date has been announced. The appeal could take several months.