Arabic version: حكم مانشستر سيتي يترك أسئلة العقوبات مفتوحة

According to BBC News, a verdict has been reached in Manchester City’s Premier League case, with the club found guilty of the majority of financial-rule breaches. The Premier League has not publicly commented, while City said the process remains ongoing and an appeal is expected.

The case began its hearing two years and 10 days ago, 1,329 days after City were charged. BBC Sport said club executives received the verdict during the week and had to sign non-disclosure agreements before opening the file. City have consistently denied wrongdoing, and the sanctions process is still to be resolved.

An independent panel will hold a sanction hearing, at which potential outcomes include fines, points deductions and demotion. BBC Sport said the hearing could still be months away, with publication of the result potentially delayed until any appeal is completed. A points deduction appears likely, subject to City’s appeal, but the scale and timing of any penalty remain unclear.

The report noted that Everton received deductions of six points, reduced from 10 on appeal, and two points in separate profit and sustainability rules cases, while Nottingham Forest were deducted four points. It said City faced seven separate Premier League PSR charges and five related to Uefa competitions, alongside allegations involving sponsorship revenue, payments and cooperation with investigations.

Even after the disciplinary process closes, compensation claims could follow. Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice, and the league’s rules allow clubs to pursue each other for compensation. Kieran Maguire, a professor of football finance at the University of Liverpool, told BBC Sport that potential claims could concern a “denial of an opportunity”, including Champions League qualification, prize money, commercial income and other losses.