What happens next after Man City found guilty of almost all Premier League charges?

Manchester City have been found guilty by an independent commission of almost all of the club's115 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. The Premier League has confirmed that the club had to providing accurate financial information and failing to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) over a nine-year period, between 2009 and 2018.

City were referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation by the Premier League - one that led to further charges of failing to co-operate with an investigation. A statement confirmed: "An independent Commission has found Manchester City FC guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over a nine-season period, and the majority of charges in relation to its failure to co-operate with the League's investigation.

City had denied any wrongdoing throughout the process andannounced their "surprise"when they were referred to an independent commission. Now, the club will have the chance to appeal against the decision of one of the most significant court cases in the history of sport.

Regardless of the judgement, both sides - the Premier League and Manchester City - knew they would have the chance to appeal within 14 days of the ruling. Manchester City have until Friday 2 October to exercise that right, though have already indicated in a statement that they are likely to do so.

"Manchester City FC is both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission, that has been published today. "The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.

The club will therefore be relentless, and where necessary proactive, in any and all appropriate regulatory and legal forums. "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements uncompleted.

Manchester City FC will now pursue the appeal avenues open to it, on the basis that the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe. "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.

"The club is obviously restricted in what it can say further until all future proceedings are complete." Such an appeal would trigger a fresh three-person commission to look into the case, the members of which will be selected by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, the chair of the Premier League's judicial panel. This would lead to a further delay of the imposition of any sanctions or points deductions until the appeal process is complete.

However, the decision of the three-person commission would be final."