Manchester City Await Verdict on 115 Charges
Manchester City and the Premier League are currently awaiting a verdict following a hearing concerning the 115 charges leveled against the club since February 2023.
The charges pertain to several alleged rule violations by City between 2009 and 2018.
The extensive number of charges and the seriousness of the allegations are among the factors contributing to the prolonged duration of the case.
“The term ‘unprecedented’ is often overused in football, but in this instance, it is entirely warranted,” stated Simon Leaf, head of sport at Mishcon de Reya.
The hearing for City commenced in September 2024 and spanned 10 weeks. In February 2025, manager Pep Guardiola indicated that the club anticipated receiving the verdict “within one month.”
However, six months later, the outcome remains undisclosed.
“We have never encountered a case of this nature in the history of English football, and arguably in world football,” Leaf added. “Given the scope of the allegations, the nature of the charges, and the approach taken by both parties, it is not surprising that we are still awaiting a decision.”
What are Manchester City's 115 Charges?
The 115 charges have been categorized into five distinct groups:
54 counts of failure to provide accurate financial information from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
14 counts of failure to provide accurate details regarding player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
5 counts of non-compliance with UEFA's rules, including Financial Fair Play (FFP), from 2013-14 to 2017-18.
7 counts of breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) from 2015-16 to 2017-18.
35 counts of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to February 2023.
The extensive legal defense mounted by City appears to have contributed to the delays. “The legal teams involved... I’m fairly certain the Premier League has never faced anything like this,” observed Yasin Patel, a barrister at Church Court Chambers.
“The team of lawyers assembled by Manchester City could be described as a super team. There is a lot at stake for both the Premier League and Manchester City.”
Reports from The Times and football finance expert Kieran Maguire suggest that the total number of charges could be as high as 130.
“I believe the Premier League has been caught off guard, as well as the arbitration panel, by the defense presented by Manchester City,” Patel added. “They have adopted an aggressive stance in their defense, challenging the Premier League on multiple fronts.”
Why Has the Case Taken So Long?
Many football fans have drawn parallels between this case and those brought against Nottingham Forest and Everton for breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
During the 2023-24 season, both clubs faced point deductions for exceeding permitted losses over a three-year period from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
These cases involved single charges and were relatively straightforward, requiring significantly less evidence.
“The Forest and Everton cases were, to some extent, very clear-cut. They were open-and-shut cases,” Maguire stated. “In contrast, the Manchester City case involves a staggering volume of evidence—potentially up to half a million pieces—that must be reviewed by the commission members.”
“Coordinating the schedules of the commission members, who are also engaged in their own professional commitments, has made it challenging to convene regularly, which explains why, eight months later, we are still awaiting a conclusion on the evidence and a verdict.”
Earlier this month, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy remarked that the process had “gone on for far too long.” In response, Premier League CEO Richard Masters told BBC Sport, “The only point at which I can speak publicly about it is when a decision has been reached. I cannot speculate on why or when; that is all I can say. Daniel is not in the same position as I am, and I cannot comment further.”
He added, “There is no preferable alternative to enforcing the rules. Upholding the integrity of the competition is paramount, and that principle should not be compromised due to complexity or cost.”
When Could We Hear a Verdict?
While many football fans are frustrated by the lack of a public verdict, those involved recognize the importance of reaching the correct decision.
“The latest rumors—though they are simply rumors—suggest that we could be waiting until around October for a verdict,” Maguire noted. “There has been a complete lockdown on information. This reflects the professionalism of the individuals on the commission.”
Patel emphasized that a verdict would not be rushed, stating, “The public message from the panel will likely be: ‘We are striving to reach this decision as quickly as possible so that we can conclude this matter.’ However, no fans are likely to believe that. Regardless of the outcry from fans across the country, no panel will be hurried.”
Patel also suggested that the prolonged wait may be advantageous for Manchester City. “We are all aware of the potential penalties, particularly point deductions, and I would have expected them to have been issued by now,” he added. “The fact that they haven’t may imply that the situation is not as dire for Manchester City as some speculate.”
Why the Verdict Will Not Be the End
Regardless of the outcome—whether the Premier League or Manchester City prevails—it is highly likely that the verdict will not conclude the saga.
If the Premier League wins, clubs that may have lost titles or cup competitions to City during the relevant period could seek compensation for lost earnings, whether through prize money or missed qualification for competitions.
If City prevails, they may claim damages resulting from the case.
“Whatever the outcome, this will not mark the end of the title race for either party,” Patel warned. “This is a two-horse race that will continue.”
“I anticipate that whatever verdict is issued, it will not signify the conclusion. I would expect an appeal from either side.”
This article is part of BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything initiative.