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Manchester City could learn the outcome of its Premier League charges case during the international break in November.
It's been more than two-and-a-half years since the league accused City of 115 alleged rule breaches, and a decision is reportedly imminent, with Liverpool fans keen to know the outcome of the lengthy case. City has denied the allegations made against it.
The extensive hearing began in mid-September last year, with its first anniversary approaching in early December. However, it seems that a judgement may emerge sooner, possibly during next month's international break, marking the third such pause in the Premier League this season.
Significantly, this will be the penultimate time Premier League action pauses this campaign, with the next break not due until March.
The i Paper cites an insider familiar with arbitration proceedings who suggests that legal experts are preparing for a verdict around mid-November.
The newspaper also quotes a source who believes that financial fair play votes, scheduled for later next month, could be "totally overshadowed" by the proceedings.
The publication reports that several figures at Premier League clubs anticipate a decision will be reached by the end of this year at the latest.
Moreover, they quote a source saying: "It's gone very quiet and because it's been going on for so long it's almost been forgotten about, but all hell could break loose when it lands."
The report reveals that a staggering 250,000 documents could be part of the proceedings.
Legal experts are said to work on the principle that for every week a hearing lasts, four weeks of deliberation are required.
This was proven accurate in Everton's initial profitability and sustainability case, which lasted five days, as stated in the report.
If this theory is applied to Man City's charges, the club's alleged 12-week case would require 48 weeks, bringing the conclusion to early November.
There's plenty of speculation over what punishments City could face if the Manchester club is found guilty.
There's talk over City facing a points deduction - which would have a profound impact on the Premier League title race involving Liverpool - or even being stripped of previous titles.
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