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Manchester City and its Premier League competitors, including Liverpool, may have to bide their time until October for the verdict on the club's alleged financial breaches.
The inquiry into City's alleged 115 violations of Premier League regulations wrapped up in December, but the independent commission has yet to announce its findings. The tribunal, which ran for 12 weeks from September to December 2024, has been shrouded in mystery ever since.
The decision was anticipated in the first quarter of 2025 – with Pep Guardiola suggesting in early February that it would arrive in "one month" – but deadlines have consistently been postponed. The delay is causing increasing frustration, given the gravity of the accusations and potential implications.
City deines the allegations made against the club.
City maintains it has a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" to demonstrate its innocence, having been charged by the Premier League more than two years ago.
However, there are suggestions that City could face a points deduction of up to 100 points or even relegation if the most severe allegations are proven true.
There are also rumors that City could be stripped of some of its eight Premier League titles and face compensation claims from other clubs. Liverpool finished as runner-up to City in some of those title-winning seasons.
According to The Independent, Guardiola and his squad may have to wait until October for the verdict. Experts and league sources suggest the international break, from October 4 to 18, might be an ideal time.
Even after the verdict is announced, the saga is expected to continue, with potential appeals from either City or the Premier League, depending on the outcome.
The case has stirred up considerable controversy and discord within the league's corridors of power, as executives are divided over the consequences for City should the club be found culpable of the graver allegations.
The hope was for a resolution during the 2024/25 season, but there's growing concern that the decision could cast a shadow over the forthcoming season.
The accusations center on alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations between 2009 and 2018, along with an alleged failure to cooperate with the ensuing investigation.
Since Sheikh Mansour's game-changing acquisition in 2008, City has clinched eight Premier League crowns, three FA Cups, six League Cups, as well as the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola, who penned a fresh two-year deal with City last term, remains optimistic about his team being cleared.
The protracted nature of the proceedings is underscored by his statement 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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