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Premier League clubs and supporters remain in limbo regarding Manchester City's 115 charges case - with a final verdict yet to be announced.
A final verdict regarding Manchester City's alleged breach of Premier League financial rules is now unlikely to be delivered before the end of the season - it has been reported. Pep Guardiola's side were charged with breaching regulations over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
Their hearing concluded 13 months ago with many expecting the decision to follow shortly after. Guardiola had previously told the media he anticipated an outcome in March earlier this year. However, eight months on from when the City manager expected a verdict to be publicised, clarity still appears no closer.
According to CityAM, the ongoing legal battle between City and the Premier League could now extend beyond the current campaign, with the long-awaited verdict set to be "delivered in stages."
On Tuesday, City included a statement on the ongoing case in their annual financial report. It read: "In response to the charges, the club issued a public statement that it welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
"As at the date of publishing these financial statements the independent commission is still in the process of reviewing the matter.”
Even when a final verdict is reached, that may not signal the end of the process. The commission will initially rule only on matters of liability - with a separate sanctions hearing to follow should any of the charges be upheld. City would also retain the right to appeal any guilty verdict or punishment imposed.
However, it remains important to stress that City deny all allegations against them. Regarding possible sanctions, The Telegraph reported last year that rival clubs believe a simple points deduction would be insufficient if City are found guilty of all 115 charges - to which City say they have irrefutable evidence to defend themselves.
The independent commission has the power to impose any sanction "it shall think fit," meaning expulsion from the Premier League remains a theoretical possibility.
However, relegation would bring further complications, as the Premier League and the EFL operate as separate entities. If dropped from the top-flight, City would need to apply for entry into the English Football League (EFL).
An alternative punishment could involve points deductions spread across multiple seasons, which would make it more difficult for Guardiola's side to challenge for titles and qualify for European competition.
It's the prospect of additional hearings which could push the case well beyond this season, ultimately. City were first charged over three years ago and, while speculation continues, it now appears almost impossible to predict when a definitive verdict will be delivered.
City's former financial advisor Stefan Borson believes neither City nor the Premier League should be blamed for the delay. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "Well, look, nobody knows because even the parties themselves expected to have been told by now.
"All the lawyers are surprised there is no decision at this stage, and that's on both sides. I'll tell you who's holding it up - the panel making the decision. They hold the pen.
"We can now assume, given how long it has taken and how surprised everyone is, that there's very little guidance being given to them, and they weren't effectively paid for their time from the moment the case ended."
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