The tribunal into Manchester City’s 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules finished in December, but the verdict has continually been pushed back
Manchester City and their Premier League rivals may have to wait until October to hear the verdict over their alleged financial breaches.
The hearing into City’s alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules concluded way back in December, but the independent commission is still yet to make its conclusion public.
The 12-week tribunal took place between September and December 2024 and has been shrouded with secrecy ever since.
Its verdict was expected in the first quarter of 2025 – and speaking in early February, Pep Guardiola said it was coming in “one month” – but dates have continually been pushed back. There is growing frustration over the delay, given the seriousness of the allegations and potential ramifications for City.
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The club have insisted they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to prove their innocence, having been charged by the Premier League well over two years ago.
However, it has been suggested City could face a points deduction of up to 100 points or relegated if the most serious allegations are found to be true. There have also been claims that they could be stripped of some of their eight Premier League titles and would face compensation claims from other clubs.
The Independent says Guardiola and his players may have to wait until October to hear the verdict. Experts and league sources believe the international break, from October 4 to 18, might be an opportune moment.
Even when the verdict is delivered, the case is likely to drag on even longer, with appeals likely, either from City or the Premier League, depending on the result. The case has caused much controversy and conflict behind the scenes in the league, with club chiefs holding conflicting views on what should happen if City are found guilty of some of the more serious charges.
It was hoped that the conclusion would come during the 2024/25 season, but there are now concerns the ruling could overshadow the upcoming campaign. The charges relate to alleged financial fair play breaches between 2009 and 2018 and the alleged subsequent refusal to co-operate with an investigation.
Since Sheikh Mansour’s seismic takeover in 2008, City have won eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, six League Cups, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola signed a new two-year contract with City last season and is confident his side will be exonerated. The length of the delay is highlighted by his words on February 7: “In one month, I think there will be a verdict and a sentence. After that, we will see my opinion of what happened so far.”
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