Man City's long financial battle takes major turn with guilty ruling

Manchester City has been found guilty on most of 130 financial charges. These charges go back to the years between 2009 and 2018, a time when the club won a lot of trophies. 

The case started after leaked documents were shared with a newspaper in 2018. An independent panel looked into the case and ruled against City on several charges, including giving false financial reports, hiding how much players and staff were paid, and not cooperating with investigators.

The Premier League still hasn't decided what punishment City will get. But sources say the club could lose a record number of points, maybe enough to send them down to a lower league. 

Other possible punishments being talked about include kicking City out of the Premier League completely, or giving them a huge fine.

This ruling could also change who actually won some past championships. Manchester United and Liverpool finished in second place during several of the years being investigated, so they could eventually be given the title instead. 

Other clubs, like Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham, have already said they might ask for money as compensation.

City has strongly disagreed with the decision. The club released a statement saying they believe the process was unfair and biased. They also said they've followed the rules the whole time during this long investigation. City is expected to appeal the decision.

“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023," the club said.

“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence.” 

Even though this is serious, some City fans aren't too shocked. Many City fans have joked for years about the club messing things up, even when things seemed to be going well. Some fans think this outcome was bound to happen eventually. 

Still, fans don't all agree on what should happen next. Some think taking away City's biggest trophies, like their record-breaking 100-point season in 2017-18, would be too harsh. Others think City deserves to lose those titles because of what they did.

This news comes at an interesting time for City. The team just spent a lot of money on new players this summer and started the season strong. Enzo Maresca is now the team's manager, taking over from Pep Guardiola, who ran the team for ten years before leaving.