Man City 115 charges outcome 'delayed' in new twist right when decision was expected

Manchester City have been awaiting a verdict on their 115 financial charges, and the club have learned a reason as to why a delay in the outcome has occurred during the international break

The verdict on Manchester City's 115 financial charges has reportedly been delayed amidst discussions over the future of Premier League chairwoman Alison Brittain.

The seven-time Premier League winners have been embroiled in a lengthy legal battle since first being accused of allegedly violating financial regulations over a prolonged period in February 2023 - 33 months ago.

The club, managed by Pep Guardiola, and their Abu Dhabi United Group owners have consistently refuted any misconduct.

Despite numerous signs that a decision was close, several key factors have led to postponements in the process. One such factor is said to be the uncertainty surrounding the future of competition chairwoman Brittain.

As per The Independent, a number of top-ranking individuals at the Premier League have been soliciting views from club executives on whether Brittain should be given another three-year term.

These views are reportedly being shaped by the progress of the case against City, with Brittain thought to hold considerable sway.

It is suggested that the debate about support for the current chairwoman has 'intensified.' It is reported that the outcome of the City case could influence club opinions, with some high-ranking officials stating it would be 'absurd' to form such a pivotal opinion before the case is settled, reports the Daily Star.

There have also been hints that some clubs might vote against an extended term if the case against City does not result in a victory for the Premier League.

Executives are also expressing concern over a perceived lack of transparency in the process, feeling as though they've been left out of the loop.

When pressed for an update earlier this year, Premier League CEO Richard Masters responded: "I can't answer that specific question. What I can tell you about is the system and how it works.

"I mean, it's an independent judiciary, essentially. So once the allegations, the charge has been put forward, they go before an independent panel, which is independently selected, and they are then in charge of the process and its timings.

"They hear the case, they decide the outcome, and we have no influence over that, over it or its timing. And that's right, if you think from an independence point of view, that there is independent people making those decisions, and we just have to be waiting.

"My frustration is irrelevant, really. I mean, I just have to wait, and legal processes rarely take less time than you anticipated, but we have to be patient."

City, who now sit second in the Premier League table and four points behind Arsenal, are back in action on the pitch next Saturday away to Newcastle United (5.30pm, November 22). The Gunners, meanwhile, host Tottenham the following the day in the north London derby.

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