The former Premiership champions were accused of deliberately inflating the value of income from sponsors to avoid falling foul of financial fair play (FFP) regulations between 2012 and 2016.

City welcomed the decision that will have a big impact on the club's finances and the possible future of the coach Pep Guardiola and star players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.

“Whilst Manchester City and its legal advisors are yet to review the full ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Club welcomes the implications of today’s ruling as a validation of the Club’s position and the body of evidence that it was able to present. 

“The Club wishes to thank the panel members for their diligence and the due process that they administered.”

Read the full CAS statement here.

Meanwhile. in Monday evenings only Premiership game, Manchester United will host Southampton at Old Trafford, with kick-off at 21:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport