Premier League clubs are reportedly seeking legal advice regarding potential compensation claims after Manchester City was found guilty of the vast majority of 115 financial rule breaches alleged by the league. The verdict, which upheld 114 of the charges, follows a four-year investigation and comes 1,327 days after City was first charged in February 2023.

While no official announcement has been made by the Premier League, which declined to comment, BBC Sport has learned that an independent panel has ruled, and the majority of charges have been upheld. The sanctions against Manchester City are yet to be determined, but potential repercussions could range from a points deduction to expulsion from the league or a substantial fine. The club intends to appeal the decision, according to sources.

A significant development emerging from the verdict is the possibility of rival Premier League sides pursuing legal action for financial compensation. Several clubs, even before Friday's news, had reportedly begun seeking advice on the viability of such claims, asserting they may have been negatively impacted by City's alleged rule-breaking.

One source, formerly a senior executive at a Premier League club, anticipates individual compensation claims will be submitted against Manchester City. Alternatively, another leading lawyer suggested the league itself might centralize the process for compensation claims, a move that would not be unprecedented.

This situation draws parallels to a recent case involving Everton and Burnley. In June, Everton was ordered to pay Burnley £35 million after breaching profit and sustainability regulations. Burnley argued that Everton's breach affected their chances of remaining in the Premier League, leading them to seek compensation for relegation-related losses. Everton is appealing this ruling.

News of the independent panel's decision has been formally communicated to other Premier League clubs. A select group of club directors were informed via email and required to sign non-disclosure agreements before reviewing the document, a source revealed to the BBC.

The precise timing of the official announcement regarding the panel's decision remains unknown. Manchester City has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the process. However, being found guilty of such a high number of serious charges could lead to severe penalties.

The seismic nature of these findings leaves numerous questions unanswered regarding the future consequences for Manchester City and the potential impact on the current football season. The league's stance and the club's appeal will be closely watched.