Premier League teams have consulted lawyers to determine whether they could seek compensation following the outcome of the Manchester City case involving 115 alleged rule violations.
After an extended wait for a decision, City have reportedly been found responsible for most of the alleged breaches of financial regulations.
The club is also expected to challenge the ruling through an appeal.
Before Friday’s developments, several Premier League teams had already begun obtaining legal guidance on whether City’s violations could provide grounds for financial compensation.
Further details have also emerged:
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Other Premier League clubs have formally received information about the independent panel’s ruling. A limited number of club directors were reportedly sent the decision by email after agreeing to confidentiality terms.
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Although the date of the Premier League’s public announcement remains unclear, the panel’s chosen sanction is expected to be disclosed before the appeal process concludes.
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Manchester City continue to reject allegations of misconduct, but findings against them on the most serious counts could result in a substantial points deduction, major financial penalties or removal from the Premier League.
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Any appeal could prolong the uncertainty surrounding the case and its effect on England’s top division.
The Athletic first reported the verdict, stating that 114 of the 115 allegations had been upheld.
The reported decision arrived 1,327 days after the Premier League charged City in February 2023 following a four-year inquiry, and 22 months after proceedings before an independent commission ended.
The Premier League has yet to issue an official statement and has declined to discuss the matter.
The independent panel is understood to have reached its decision, with most of the charges reportedly upheld.
Manchester City said the league’s proceedings are still continuing, with important stages yet to be completed under strict confidentiality.
The club added that it had carefully followed due process for eight years because it expected the league’s leadership to operate independently, impartially and fairly, without influence from individual interests.
A former senior executive who worked at two Premier League clubs said they anticipated that teams would file separate compensation claims against Manchester City.
Another prominent lawyer suggested, however, that the league could manage all such claims through a single central process.
In June, Everton were ordered to pay Burnley £35m after exceeding profit and sustainability limits during a three-year period.
Burnley maintained that the violation harmed their prospects of remaining in the Premier League and requested compensation for losses connected to their relegation.
Everton have appealed and are expected to strongly contest the decision, which may serve as a significant reference point for the Manchester City proceedings.
Manchester City are likewise expected to appeal the findings against them.
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