Man City 115 charges: Big update on final decision - sources
Manchester City’s 115 charges case is unlikely to reach a full conclusion until late 2025 if any appeals are launched against the verdict, sources have told Football Insider.
Man City were dealt the charges by the Premier League in February 2023 for allegedly breaching the financial fair play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period.
The English champions are alleged to have concealed payments through third parties by disguising them as sponsorship revenue.
The Times reported on 12 August the hearing date has now been brought forward to mid-to-late September after it was originally planned to take place in November.
The newspaper said the hearing is scheduled to last 10 weeks and a verdict is likely to be delivered in early 2025.
But sources have told Football Insider it could be at least March before the independent commission reaches a final decision due to the “incredible complexity” of the case.
Man City 115 charges case could run until late 2025
Football Insider revealed in April Man City could be relegated to the Championship if they are found guilty.
But the Premier League side are expected to appeal against any punishment after their lawyers have been adamant the club haven’t done anything wrong since the charges were handed out 18 months ago.
Sources have told Football Insider if a verdict isn’t reached until March, it would be unrealistic to think an appeal could be processed, heard and decided by the end of this season.
That means it could be late 2025 before the case reaches a final conclusion and Man City learn their fate.
It isn’t the only legal battle Pep Guardiola’s side are currently involved in with the Premier League after taking action against the governing body over its associated party transaction (APT) rules.
The Manchester club questioned the legality of the APT rules, branding them “anti-competitive” – and sued the Premier League for damages.
But after a two-week hearing took place in June, an outcome is now expected to be reached within the next fortnight, freeing up room for the 115 charges case to begin.
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