Manchester City are unlikely to learn the outcome of their legal battle with the Premier League until after the end of the season, according to reports. The reigning champions have been accused of breaking financial rules over a nine-year period, in addition to allegedly failing to co-operate with Premier League investigations. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2009 and 2018. City have strenously denied any wrongdoing.
A three-month hearing by an independent commission took place last year, concluding in December. A verdict was initially expected to be delivered in the early spring, but this no longer appears to be the case. According to The Telegraph, the outcome of the landmark hearing is unlikely to be announced before the summer.
It is said that no formal deadline was ever set for a verdict to be delivered, given the complexities of the case and the number of charges facing City. They were initially reported to have been charged with 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
However, the report states that 130 is the true number. When the charges were first announced, there was said to have been a degree of confusion over some of the rules listed in particular seasons, which led to a correction being issued.
City have been accused of failing to provide accurate financial information over nine separate seasons. They have also been accused of failing to provide the full details of Roberto Mancini’s pay during his time as manager between 2009 and 2013.
The club have strongly denied any wrongdoing and have said that their case is supported by a ‘comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence’.
If the serious charges against City are proven, a range of punishments could be handed down including a limitless fine or a points deduction. They could even be expelled from the Premier League, but this would be an extreme punishment.
Other top-flight clubs may also claim for loss of income for missing out on the league title or European qualification, which could end up costing City hundreds of millions of pounds.
City’s defence is being led by Lord Pannick KC, who previously advised former prime minister Boris Johnson over the Partygate scandal. He also acted against the UK government over the prorogation of Parliament in 2019.
Pannick fought in City’s corner when they were initially found guilty of financial breaches by UEFA in 2020. The case was eventually overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport following a successful appeal.
