Manchester City have been found guilty of all but one of their 115 rule-break charges in their battle with the Premier League.

The competition accused the club of widespread financial cheating over an era of sustained success - with an independent panel hearing concluding in 2024.

There has since been a frustrating wait for a verdict but sources have disclosed that clubs have been informed that the panel has now reached a decision - and there is a belief it's a win for the top flight.

Such a verdict could lead to a variety of punishments including huge deductions and even relegation.

However, should the decision have gone against City it is inevitable that they will appeal.

A Manchester City spokesperson said: '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 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.'

Man City who have always strongly denied wrongdoing, were charged in February 2023 by the Premier League with a hearing concluding in December 2024.

The Premier League accused Man City of multiple breaches of financial rules and of failing to co-operate with a subsequent investigation. The alleged rule breaking was claimed to have taken place over a 14-year period.

A three-man panel was tasked with considering the evidence, with the initial expectation a verdict would have been reached on the case within months. It has since taken three-and-a-half years.

The original 115 charges were extended to a total of 130 after an administration issue in what is the most expensive and wide-ranging case in English football history.

City remained steadfast in maintaining their innocence over more than 115 alleged breaches across eight years, some including the start of the Pep Guardiola era.