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Premier League boss Richard Masters has offered an apology after facing scrutiny regarding the prolonged timeline for resolving Manchester City's fate concerning the club's alleged financial rule violations, with Liverpool waiting to hear the outcome.
City continues to face 115 charges related to supposed Premier League financial regulation breaches spanning 2009 to 2018. Two-and-a-half years later, the outcome of the proceedings remains undetermined.
City has denied the accusations, claiming it possesses "irrefutable evidence" to support its innocence. This evidence wasn't submitted until September 2024 during a two-month hearing process. The anticipation was that following the hearing's conclusion, the decision would be promptly delivered.
However, nearly eight months afterwards, the judgment from an independent panel remains undisclosed.
During the Premier League Summer Series in the United States, a preseason competition featuring Manchester United, West Ham, Everton, and Bournemouth, Masters featured on NBC Sports and faced questioning for an update regarding the City matter.
The chief executive refused to reveal any particulars.
He said: "You can ask, but our rules are very clear. It's a confidential process so I really can't give any information out on timing or anything like that. There is nothing more I can add, so I am sorry about that."
The continuing drama surrounding the entire affair is becoming increasingly frustrating for all those anxiously awaiting the final resolution, including Liverpool.
On Wednesday, reports surfaced that the verdict is anticipated to be revealed in October, most probably during the international break. In January, City's head coach, Pep Guardiola, dismissed the idea that the club's active transfer window was in anticipation of a potential future penalty such as a transfer embargo.
He stated: "I do not agree, but my words will not convince people that our attributes are (not) just being in a wealthy position.
"In the last five years, we are the last team in the top six for net-spend. Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Arsenal, Tottenham, even from Liverpool.
"The reason why is we have sold a lot in the last seasons but, even with that, I know (people say about) this club, it is always 'just about the money.'
"Respect the other ones but in one month I think there will be a verdict and a sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far. Still, at the end, every club can do whatever they want."
Guardiola's prediction of a verdict within a month did not materialize, although it is hoped that a decision will be announced early in the season.
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