Manchester City have been found guilty of financial rule-breaking charges, initially brought by the Premier League in 2023. The club continues to insist on its innocence and has the option to appeal the verdict.
The deadline for Manchester City to submit their appeal is Friday. Precedent from previous cases, such as those involving Everton and Nottingham Forest, indicates that an appeal would be heard and decided before any sanctions are announced.
The Premier League issued a statement on Monday formally announcing the guilty verdicts, expressing a desire for the process to be "concluded as soon as possible." An independent commission's findings also noted the regrettable length of time the case has taken.
The Fraud Act 2006 outlines that dishonestly making a false representation with the intent to gain or avoid loss could lead to imprisonment and unlimited fines. Lord Cruddas, a banker, suggested the findings could now be a police matter if accounts were falsified and auditors misled. However, BBC Sport has not received any indication from relevant authorities, including regional police forces, the National Crime Agency, HMRC, or the Serious Fraud Office, that an investigation has begun.