Will Manchester City have points deducted this season and what does it mean for Arsenal and Chelsea?

An investigation spanning almost five years has found more than 100 alleged breaches over nine seasons, which could lead to a range of sanctions if the charges are proved.

The statement accuses City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018 and says they breached rules requiring them to provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position".

“In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club to a Commission,” read a statement posted on the Premier League website.

An independent commision will now decide if rules have been breached by City, with the potential punishments ranging from a fine, to points deductions and to expelling the club from the Premier League.

City released the following statement on their website:

“The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

“As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.

“Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.”

City have won six Premier League titles since the Abu Dhabi United Group took over in 2008.

Analysis

The eyes of the sporting world will be fixated on this case but it appears unlikely that a conlusion is imminent.

Interestingly, the club will not be able to appeal any sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which previously overturned a ban from UEFA in 2020.

However, if City are found to have breached the rules then it remains to be seen how far the Premier League will go.

This is an unprecedented case for the Premier League and with the most serious punishment being expulsion from the Premier League, the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea will be watching closely as everything unfolds.