The long wait for Man City’s 115‑plus charges verdict

The new Premier League season is set to begin while Manchester City still await a ruling on the 115‑plus alleged financial breaches that saw a 12‑week hearing end in December 2024, yet an independent commission has not published its verdict, leaving the case unresolved as clubs prepare for kickoff.

Complexity of the case

Another Premier League season is set to kick off without a resolution to Manchester City’s financial charges. Manchester City were charged in February 2023 with more than 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. The alleged breaches span a nine‑season period from 2009 to 2018 and include failures to comply with profit and sustainability rules and UEFA’s financial fair play regulations.

The case has been described by the Premier League as ‘hugely complex’, and its chief executive Richard Masters admitted this week that the process is taking longer than expected. “I can’t give any update on timing or what’s happening,” Masters told Sky News on the eve of the new season. He added that the independent commission is the only route for a decision and that he understands the frustrations.

Manchester City FC issued a statement saying it was surprised by the alleged breaches, especially after providing extensive detailed material to the league. The club welcomed an independent review to consider what it called ‘irrefutable evidence’ supporting its position. It said it looks forward to the matter being put to rest once and for all.

Other clubs face sanctions

Chelsea received a suspended transfer ban and a £10.75 million fine after settling Premier League rule breaches related to unauthorised agents between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 seasons. The club admitted all 74 breaches and the Football Association’s punishment closed all regulatory proceedings against it. Everton were ordered to pay £35 million to Burnley for profit and sustainability rule breaches and have seen a points deduction reduced from ten to six after appeal.

Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick told the BBC that clubs want “clarity” as the season approaches. “It has gone on for a while,” he said, adding that neither the league nor the teams can control the timing of the ruling. He hopes a solution arrives quickly.

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As the Premier League kicks off, Manchester City and the other clubs will begin the campaign without a final ruling on the financial case. The independent commission remains responsible for delivering its decision, and the league has said it has no influence over the timing.