Premier League reportedly informed four clubs of Manchester City ruling before announcement

The Premier League informed four clubs of the ruling concerning Manchester City before the rest of the league’s teams were notified, press reports say. The club was found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges relating to financial breaches. The ruling had not yet been officially announced when the four clubs were informed, according to those reports.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were therefore said to have learned the decision in advance. The Telegraph reported that the other clubs received an email about it on 25 September.

The four teams had begun potential legal proceedings in 2024. Those steps could allow them to seek compensation if Manchester City’s guilt is upheld after the appeal. The club maintains its innocence and lodged an appeal within the set deadline. It says it has « a complete body of conclusive and irrefutable evidence » proving that it committed no breach.

The outcome of the proceedings could have serious consequences for Manchester City. If the appeal is rejected, the club could face possible sanctions including fines, a transfer ban, a points deduction, the loss of titles or expulsion from the Premier League. Those measures remain conditional on the appeal’s outcome.