The Premier League is pushing for the disciplinary process involving Manchester City to be completed as quickly as possible following the independent commission's findings on the club's long-running financial case.

The commission found Manchester City guilty of charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules covering the nine-season period from 2009/10 through 2017/18. It also upheld three of four allegations that the club failed to cooperate properly with the league's investigation.

The case centres on allegations involving the way Manchester City reported commercial income and operating costs. According to the commission's findings published by the Premier League, the arrangements in question artificially increased the club's reported revenues and reduced its reported costs by more than £900 million during the affected period.

The Premier League said the commission concluded that the club had used agreements that did not accurately reflect the underlying financial arrangements and subsequently submitted accounts that misstated its financial position.

Manchester City has consistently rejected the allegations and has maintained that it will challenge the findings through the available appeal process. The club has until October 2, 2026, to lodge an appeal against the commission's decision.

With the findings now established at the commission stage, the next major issue is the sanction. The punishment has not yet been determined. The Premier League says the sanction will be considered separately by the independent commission in a further hearing.

Possible sanctions under the league's rules can include financial penalties, points deductions and other sporting measures, although no specific punishment has been announced in City's case.

The Premier League has indicated that it wants the entire process, including any appeal and publication of the relevant decisions, concluded as soon as possible.

That position reflects the unusually long history of the case. The league began its investigation in December 2018 before formally issuing its complaint in February 2023. The independent commission held a 42-day hearing, which concluded in December 2024, before its decision was eventually issued in September 2026.

The delay has generated discussion within English football about the importance of reaching a final resolution. Current reporting indicates that some senior football figures believe the matter should ideally be settled during the 2026/27 season, although the timing will depend on whether Manchester City appeals and how the subsequent process proceeds.

The case has also drawn attention from Manchester City's commercial partners. Etihad Airways, the club's main shirt sponsor, said it strongly rejected any suggestion that it had participated in improper financial arrangements. The airline said it had not been given an opportunity to take part in the commission's proceedings and was considering legal advice over the way the findings were communicated publicly.

The Premier League declined to comment on Etihad's statement.

Manchester City's chief executive, Ferran Soriano, has also maintained the club's position and said the organisation remains committed to clearing its name. Reuters reported that Soriano had indicated the legal process could potentially continue for years, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the timetable if an appeal is pursued.

For now, no sporting punishment has been imposed. The immediate stages are the club's decision on whether to appeal the commission's findings and the separate hearing that will determine the appropriate sanction.

The Premier League says its objective is to move through those remaining stages as quickly as the rules and legal process allow, bringing an end to one of the longest-running financial disputes in English football.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia