City’s long-running Premier League financial case has taken its biggest turn yet, but there is an important difference between what has been reported and what has so far been published officially.
David Ornstein reported on Friday that Man City have been found guilty on virtually all of the charges brought against them, with sources briefed on the confidential proceedings saying the independent commission found against the club on all but one of the 115 charges.
The Times has separately reported that Premier League clubs were informed following Thursday’s meeting that a decision had been reached.
No sanction has yet been decided and City are expected to appeal. The club’s response has stopped short of addressing the reported findings individually. Instead, City insist the process isn’t finished.
What has been reported about the Man City verdict?
Ornstein reported that the independent commission has issued its verdict and that City were found guilty on virtually all of the charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
Our breaking report on the Man City verdict has the details.
The full judgment has not yet been published, meaning the evidence considered by the commission and its reasoning aren’t yet available for public scrutiny.
Nor has a sanction been announced. Those are important distinctions given the claims already circulating about points deductions, relegation and previous titles.
What have Man City said?
City responded to Friday’s report by stressing that the process remains incomplete. A club spokesperson said: “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.”
City added that their position remains consistent with the statement issued when the Premier League announced the charges in February 2023.
That original statement said the club welcomed the opportunity for an independent commission to consider what City described as a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” supporting their position.
City have consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the case.
Their latest response doesn’t confirm the details reported by Ornstein, but neither does it amount to a public denial that the commission has reached findings.
What remains unknown?
The most obvious unanswered question is the punishment. There is currently no confirmed points deduction, fine or other sporting sanction.
We’ve looked separately at [what punishment Man City could face, including the commission’s powers and the distinction between a points deduction, relegation and expulsion.
The full judgment also hasn’t been published.
Until it is, the commission’s detailed findings and reasoning cannot be examined publicly.
What do we already know about the case?
The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
The allegations covered several areas, including the provision of accurate financial information, manager and player remuneration, compliance with UEFA regulations, the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules and City’s cooperation with the league’s investigation.
The hearing began in September 2024 and concluded in December of that year.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters explained in August 2025 that the commission operated independently of the league.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Masters said: “They hear the case, they decide the outcome. We have no influence over it or its timing.”
Friday’s reporting indicates that the case has now reached the verdict stage, but it hasn’t reached its conclusion.
The full judgment and sanction are still to come, while City are expected to appeal.
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