City found guilty on all but one of 115 charges

The club is expected to appeal, indicating that the process was not yet complete. It has always denied any wrongdoing.

"The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality," a club statement issued to British media read.

"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 the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence."

The Premier League has so far declined to comment.

"It’s a confidential process, we’re not commenting at all," a spokesperson said.

If confirmed, the guilty verdict would represent one of the most significant rulings in English football history in a case that has overshadowed the league for more than three years.

The proceedings have raised questions about financial regulation, competitive integrity and how the league enforces its rules against its most successful clubs.

The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in February 2023 over alleged breaches of financial rules spanning the 2009-2010 to 2022-2023 seasons. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Among the most serious allegations was that City failed in each season from 2009-2010 to 2017-2018 to provide accurate financial information giving a "true and fair view" of revenues, including sponsorship income, and operating costs.

City hired lawyer David Pannick to lead its defence, while the Premier League was represented by Adam Lewis, according to British media reports.

The hearing began on 16 September, 2024, and concluded nearly three months later on 6 December. The case was heard by an independent commission composed of three people appointed by the independent chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel.

European football's governing body UEFA banned City from the UEFA Champions League for two years in 2020 after finding the club had overstated sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016.

City, however, successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which overturned that ban.

Since Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group bought the club in 2008, City has won eight Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, four FA Cups and seven Carabao Cups.

City currently tops the Premier League after winning each of its opening five matches under Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola, the man in charge for much of the period in question.

The stakes are particularly high because other clubs have already faced sporting sanctions for breaching financial regulations.

Everton was docked a total of eight points during the 2023-2024 season after two separate breaches of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules, while Nottingham Forest was deducted four points for a breach of the same rules in March 2024.

Newcastle United narrowly avoided potential sanctions after selling players before a 30 June, 2024, financial reporting deadline to comply with spending regulations.

The allegations against City are far broader and cover more than a decade, making the case unprecedented in scale. Lawyers, club executives and supporters across the league have spent years awaiting a verdict.

Responding to the reports, Caroline Dinenage, chair of Britain's Culture, Media and Sport select committee, urged that due process be followed while calling for the case to be concluded as quickly as possible.

"The reports ... have profound implications for our national game," Dinenage said via a statement.

“The extraordinary length and cost of this process raise serious concerns, and the affair again gives rise to questions about financial fairness across the football pyramid.

“The matter must be allowed to take its course and due process must be followed, but I sincerely hope any further stages are completed as swiftly as is reasonably possible.”