Premier League clubs express 'frustration' over delay of Man City verdict

The decision on Manchester City's 115 financial charges has reportedly been postponed amidst ongoing discussions about the future of Premier League chair, Alison Brittain. The seven-time Premier League champions have been entangled in a protracted legal dispute since first being charged in February 2023.

Despite numerous indications that a verdict was imminent, several key factors have caused delays in the process. One such factor is the uncertainty surrounding the future of competition chair, Alison Brittain.

According to The Express, several high-ranking figures within the Premier League have been gathering opinions from club executives regarding whether Brittain should be granted another three-year term.

These views are reportedly being influenced by the progress of the case against Manchester City, with Brittain believed to wield significant influence. It's suggested that the debate over support for the current chair has 'intensified'.

Furthermore, it's reported that the outcome of the City case could sway club opinions, with some senior officials stating it would be 'absurd' to form such a crucial opinion before the case is resolved.

There are also whispers that some clubs might vote against an extended term if the case against City doesn't conclude successfully. Premier League powerbrokers are also frustrated by a lack of transparency regarding the process, with many feeling as though they've been kept in the dark.

When questioned earlier this year for an update, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "I can't answer that specific question.

"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 has consistently maintained its innocence throughout, whilst the possibility of an appeal remains once the final judgement is delivered.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.