Premier League CEO Richard Masters has confirmed on record that the verdict has taken "longer than expected" — the first direct acknowledgement from league leadership. New City boss Enzo Maresca says he isn't concerned by the wait.
Independent Analysis · English Football's Defining Case
Background
In February 2023, the Premier League referred Manchester City to an independent commission after a four-year investigation into alleged breaches of financial rules spanning nearly a decade. The charges — 115 in total — relate to the period between 2009 and 2018, covering financial fair play regulations, the provision of accurate financial information, and conduct relating to player and manager remuneration.
The case is the largest and most complex disciplinary matter in English football history. Manchester City deny every single charge, stating they hold a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" to support their position.
"Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, given the extensive engagement and evidence it has provided to the Premier League over the past four seasons."
— Manchester City FC statement, February 2023The case is being heard by an independent commission — a panel of three legally qualified experts — operating entirely separately from the Premier League. The process is modelled on arbitration and is not a criminal proceeding. However, potential sanctions are severe: points deductions of 40–60 points, fines, or even expulsion from the league have all been cited as possibilities.
A note on the number: the case is universally known as "the 115 charges," reflecting the original February 2023 referral. Some reporting since has put the effective count closer to 130, understood to include additional charges relating to failure to cooperate with the investigation. We use "115" throughout as the case's established name, not as a disputed claim about the current charge count.
The Charges
The 115 charges fall into five broad categories, all relating to conduct between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons.
Alleged failure to comply with UEFA and Premier League profitability and sustainability rules across multiple seasons, including suspected "disguised equity" — masking direct owner investment as independent sponsorship revenue.
Alleged provision of false or misleading financial data to the Premier League across nine separate seasons, covering revenues, costs, and financial position.
Alleged failure to provide accurate details of player pay — including undisclosed payments to players such as Yaya Touré — across six seasons between 2010 and 2016.
Alleged failure to disclose full details of then-manager Roberto Mancini's remuneration across four seasons from 2009 to 2013.
Alleged obstruction of the Premier League's investigation — including failure to provide information and documentation requested during the four-year inquiry period.
Timeline
Der Spiegel publishes leaked internal Manchester City documents as part of the Football Leaks data dump, triggering the Premier League investigation.
The Premier League conducts an extensive review, gathering over 500,000 pieces of evidence. Manchester City cooperate, and later contest aspects of the process.
The Premier League formally refers Manchester City to an independent commission with 115 alleged rule breaches. City describe themselves as "surprised."
The formal independent commission hearing opens at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London. Three independent legal experts oversee proceedings, conducted entirely in private.
The 12-week tribunal concludes after examining all evidence. The panel enters deliberation. Premier League rules require all proceedings to remain strictly confidential.
Despite expectations of an early 2025 verdict, the complexity of the case — and volume of evidence — pushes deliberations on. No leaks emerge from the panel.
The 2025/26 Premier League season concludes on 25 May 2026. Legal expert Stefan Borson publicly states he expects the verdict "within weeks" of the season ending. All 20 Premier League clubs have been told to await official communication. Pep Guardiola, who is departing City this summer, confirms he will leave before any verdict is announced.
As the 2026/27 season begins, Premier League CEO Richard Masters becomes the first league official to admit on record that the verdict has taken "longer than expected." New City manager Enzo Maresca says he isn't concerned by the wait. No new timeline is given; October 2026 remains the most-cited speculative date.
If liability is found, a separate sanctions hearing will follow. Any appeal would add a further 6–12 months, potentially pushing final resolution into 2027.
Verdict Status
Speaking to the BBC and Sky Sports as the 2026/27 season begins, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters became the first league official to acknowledge the delay directly, admitting the verdict has taken "longer than expected." He stopped short of offering any new timeline: "I can't pass any real comment, or provide anything new today on it." He noted the frustration around the lack of a decision but said confidentiality rules prevent him from revealing more.
New City manager Enzo Maresca has said he isn't concerned by the ongoing wait, with the club's transfer business continuing as normal. Rival clubs are reportedly less relaxed: sources at several clubs have told ESPN of their frustration at the independent commission's failure to deliver a verdict after such a lengthy process — though as ESPN notes, nobody, including the Premier League and City themselves, actually knows when it will conclude.
"I can't pass any real comment, or provide anything new today on it."
— Richard Masters, Premier League CEO, August 2026The predicted dates continue to slip: an initial verdict was expected around February 2025; that became "later in 2025," then Easter 2026, then "within weeks" of the 2025/26 season ending in May 2026. None of these materialised. Attention has now turned to October 2026, coinciding with the Premier League's second international break — though on current form, that too should be treated as informed speculation rather than a confirmed date.
Manchester City have also seen a change of manager since the last verdict prediction: Pep Guardiola departed the club at the end of the 2025/26 season, as he had said he would before any ruling, and Enzo Maresca is now in charge. Guardiola's title-winning seasons of 2017/18 onward would be the ones potentially affected by an adverse finding, given he joined City in 2016.
Crucially, the initial verdict will address liability only — whether the rules were broken. A separate sanctions hearing would follow if guilty findings are reached. This two-phase structure means even a guilty verdict would not immediately resolve what punishment City face.
If found guilty, possible sanctions include:
Manchester City have indicated they will appeal any adverse finding, which could extend proceedings by a further 6–12 months. Chelsea's recent experience has been cited as a comparison: the club received a £10 million fine after proactively self-reporting illicit payments from the Abramovich era — cooperation that significantly reduced the sanction.
FAQ
Is this a criminal case?
No. This is a disciplinary proceeding within the Premier League's own regulatory framework, modelled on commercial arbitration. No criminal charges have been brought against the club or any individual.
Why has it taken so long?
The scale of the case is unprecedented. The hearing alone lasted 12 weeks and involved over 500,000 pieces of evidence spanning nine seasons. Drafting a legally rigorous decision of this complexity — one that will withstand appeal — takes considerable time.
Could City be relegated?
Technically yes, if a points deduction of sufficient size (40–60 points is the most-cited estimate) were imposed. However this is only one possible outcome and would depend on findings of guilt and the subsequent sanctions hearing.
What happens to titles they've won?
Rescinding previous Premier League titles is theoretically possible, but no Premier League title has ever been stripped in this way. It would be an extraordinary and legally complex step, separate from the core proceedings.
Can Manchester City appeal?
Yes. Any appeal would be heard by a separate appeals panel under Premier League rules. City have consistently indicated they would appeal an adverse finding, which could extend the full process into 2027 or beyond.
Where can I follow official updates?
Official statements are published on the Premier League's website and Manchester City's media portal. Given the confidential nature of proceedings, The Athletic, the BBC, and football finance specialists such as Kieran Maguire provide the most reliable contextual analysis.
Why do predicted verdict dates keep slipping?
Several confident predictions — February 2025, later 2025, Easter 2026, and "within weeks" of the 2025/26 season ending — have all passed without a ruling. Proceedings are strictly confidential, so even well-connected insiders are working from indirect signals rather than direct knowledge of the panel's timeline. Treat any specific predicted date, including October 2026, as informed speculation rather than confirmed fact until an official announcement is made.