Nearly three and a half years after the Premier League announced 115 charges, Manchester City still does not know the final ruling for themselves. The case has dragged on to the point that the waiting time has passed many seasons and holidays.
It has been nearly 21 months since the three-member committee concluded the hearing on allegations against Man City, taking place from September 16 to December 6, 2024. The Premier League accuses The Citizens of violating many regulations related to providing financial information, profits and sustainability, as well as not cooperating in the investigation process.
Man City resolutely denies all accusations. While waiting for a verdict, they continue to operate normally in the transfer market and on the pitch. Since the incident was made public in February 2023, Man City has spent about 690 million pounds on players and won 6 major titles, including 2 Premier League and Champions League titles.
Meanwhile, Newcastle has to sell some important players to meet the financial regulations of the Premier League. Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson have successively left St James' Park.
Man City is still considered not guilty until a ruling is issued, and has the right to build the squad according to plan. But the prolonged delay also makes many other clubs disappointed.
The problem lies in the enormous scale of the case. According to sources, the council must review more than half a million documents, including emails, financial records and statements. All three council members have other legal work, while this is a particularly complex case.
Even if the council completes the ruling, the process is not over yet. The report will have to be reviewed and edited by the legal team of the Premier League and Man City before being published.
Man City faces a total of 54 charges related to not providing accurate and updated financial information in the period 2009-2018. There are also 14 charges related to financial reports related to salaries and remuneration, 5 charges of violating UEFA financial regulations, 7 charges of violating the Premier League Code of Conduct and 35 charges of not cooperating with the investigation process from 2018 to 2023.
The scale of the case originated from leaked emails published by Der Spiegel in 2018. The hearing ended at the end of 2024 but only closed the first phase of a very long legal process.
Even if the ruling is issued, Man City and the Premier League both have the right to appeal within 14 days. In case of appeal, the case will continue to be considered by a panel of three other members.
Therefore, the question is no longer simply when will Man City receive the ruling, but when will the entire process truly close. During that time, the Premier League continues, Man City still builds the squad and new seasons begin one after another.
115 charges are therefore still hanging. Whatever the final result, this will certainly be one of the most influential rulings in Premier League history.
