Premier League clubs are consulting lawyers for compensation after Manchester City were found guilty of most of the 115 financial rule breaches alleged by the league.
The verdict arrived 1,327 days after City were initially charged in February 2023, following a four‑year probe and a 22‑month gap since the independent commission’s hearing concluded.
The Premier League has stayed silent, offering no official statement and refusing comment.
Accusations span inflated sponsorship deals with related firms and covert payments designed to sidestep football’s financial regulations.
These landmark rulings raise a flood of questions about upcoming sanctions and the ripple effect on this season’s race.
One emerging scenario sees rival clubs launching legal actions to claim compensation for the perceived damage caused by City’s conduct.
Ahead of Friday’s announcement, several teams had already begun probing whether they possess a viable compensation case.
A senior executive who moved between Premier League clubs suggested individual claims against Manchester City could soon be filed.
Conversely, a top lawyer told the BBC the league might centralise the process for all affected parties.
Such a route isn’t unheard of – in June Everton were ordered to pay Burnley £35m after breaching profit‑and‑sustainability rules over three years.
Burnley argued the breach jeopardised their survival chances and sought redress for the relegation‑related losses.
Everton are appealing and promise to contest the ruling vigorously, casting a revealing backdrop for City’s saga.
Meanwhile, new details have surfaced:
- Other Premier League clubs have been formally told about the independent panel’s decision. A select group of club directors were informed by email and had to sign a non‑disclosure agreement before they could read the document, a source told the BBC. It is not yet known when the decision of the panel will be announced officially.
- Manchester City deny wrongdoing but being found guilty on the most serious charges means they could be looking at a points deduction serious enough to relegate them, large fines or even expulsion from the Premier League
- A sanctions hearing will need to take place to decide the punishment. That has not happened yet and could take months.
- An appeal would then take place – and while it is possible the punishment is not made public until after that, there remains the possibility that any sanctions will be communicated before any appeal takes place
- An appeal process could mean the uncertainty surrounding the case continues to cloud the top flight
- It is understood a number of City players do not have relegation release clauses in their contracts in the event of the club losing their Premier League status as a result of any sanctions
Manchester City declined to comment on the guilty verdict, issuing a statement that read: “Premier League process remains ongoing with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.”
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair‑minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”