Manchester City’s liability phase concluded in late September 2026 when an independent Premier League commission found the club guilty of 114 of 115 charges for financial rule breaches between 2009-10 and 2017-18, including sham sponsorship contracts that inflated revenue by more than £900 million and concealed spending-limit violations. Sanctions remain undecided pending a separate private hearing, with City lodging a comprehensive appeal shortly after the verdict. Possible outcomes range from fines and points deductions to transfer embargoes or relegation, while rival clubs monitor for compensation claims. The timeline for any punishment announcement hinges on appeal scheduling, which could extend weeks or months into the 2026-27 season, alongside any High Court challenges to the process.