Warning Man City faces years‑long appeal as case drags on

Manchester City’s CEO Ferran Soriano warned that the complexity of the club’s Financial Fair Play case could push a final decision back by more than a year, telling a gathering of European football clubs in Copenhagen that the legal battle with the Premier League may stretch for years.

Timeline of charges and hearings

The club was first charged in February 2023 with 115 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The alleged offences span the period from 2009 to 2018. An independent commission, appointed by the Premier League, held a hearing between September and December 2024. The verdict was announced on Friday, finding City guilty of almost all the charges.

Man City have been found guilty of the vast majority of the charges brought by the Premier League. The club has signalled its intention to appeal, although no sanctions have yet been imposed. Soriano said the club voluntarily raised the case but did not admit guilt or reference any specific verdict. The club’s legal team has already prepared its appeal dossier, while fans fear the outcome could see the club tumble down the divisions.

Soriano told the Copenhagen audience that a significant amount of time will be needed to reach a resolution. He made clear that City intend to fight the findings vigorously and stressed that the club will not concede any liability while the process unfolds. A Getty image accompanying the report shows the City crest amid the legal drama.

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Legal expert predicts lengthy appeal

Legal journalist Christian Smith said it is impossible to give a precise timetable because the process is confidential. He explained that both sides will present arguments before a judge, whose busy schedule can add weeks or months, and that the judges will have to balance the case against previous precedents. Smith added that the involvement of top lawyers means coordination will further extend the timeline.

Smith suggested the appeal could stretch to the end of next year, though a resolution within the current season would be unusually swift. He compared the case with the Leicester City matter, describing that as a relatively simple scenario. “This is as complex as it gets,” he said, noting that Supreme Court‑style cases can take a year for a judgement. He warned that any delay could affect City’s ability to register new players under the league’s financial regulations.

Leicester City received a six‑point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules between 2021 and 2024. The sanction was issued in February and took effect immediately, even though the Foxes were then competing in the Championship. Leicester’s case set a precedent for swift enforcement of the Rules, contrasting with the protracted timeline expected for City’s appeal.

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The uncertainty leaves Manchester supporters uneasy about a possible drop down the divisions. Pressure will mount on the judges to deliver a decision as quickly as possible, but the complexity means a quick resolution is unlikely. If sanctions are eventually imposed, they could include points deductions, transfer bans or fines, all of which would impact City’s Premier League campaign.