An insight into when a verdict on Man City’s 115 charges could be given amid the Premier League title race with Arsenal.
Manchester City are anticipated to be found guilty of breaching at least some of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League, though a final verdict could still be more than two years away, according to sports lawyer Tom Murray. The founding partner of the Three Points law firm expects the process to continue to be drawn out, further complicated by the appeals procedure.
City stands accused of violating financial regulations across a nine-year period dating back to 2009. The investigation was launched in 2019 and encompassed allegations over the club’s financial reporting and failure to cooperate with enquiries, though the club have maintained their innocence throughout.
Charges were formally announced in 2023, with City facing 54 allegations of failing to supply accurate and current financial information from 2009/10. They also face 14 alleged violations of failing to furnish accurate financial records of player and manager remuneration across the same period.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
The hearing started in September 2024 and spanned 10 weeks, yet all parties continue to wait for a ruling. The sheer volume of charges and gravity of the accusations appear to have contributed to the lengthy wait, with the case representing uncharted territory in English football.
Arsenal will be watching the situation closely, having been locked in a title battle with Pep Guardiola’s side. In recent seasons, the Gunners have been beaten to the top prize by City, but will be hoping it’s different this time round, with a lead over their rivals.
Murray has said the sheer volume of charges will ultimately result in Manchester City being found guilty of at least some infractions. However, amidst ongoing speculation regarding when the case’s result might emerge, the solicitor refrained from predicting the outcome’s timing, despite claiming to have consulted those involved in the proceedings.
“I don’t think anyone knows,” Murray told the Price of Football podcast. “I’ve spoken to barristers working on the case, and even they don’t know when the decision will be released. As much as I would like to speculate, I think it would be pointless.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
“What do I think the outcome is going to be? I think Manchester City are going to be found liable, in breach of something. With the number of charges there are I don’t think they are going to get away with this.
“But this is going to be strung out for as long as possible and I think we can expect an appeal and we’ll be back in the same position. In two years’ time, it wouldn’t be surprising if we still don’t have a final outcome.”
In contrast, former City financial adviser Stefan Borson anticipates the club will receive a verdict ‘quite soon’. He has indicated it could materialise by the end of the current campaign.
“I think it’s coming quite soon, but then we have said that before, right?” he said. “My best guess and the kind of feeling in the parties is that it will come at the end of the season.
“June would be most likely, that’s the feeling. There’s no justification now from a kind of how long it takes to write this up, there’s no justification now.
“This is now ridiculous territory. 18 months to write up a decision in a private arbitration is clearly ridiculous. There’s been little things that I’ve heard that would signify that we are coming to the end of the process of writing it up.”
