Manchester City, along with its Premier League rivals, could fall into suspense until late October this year due to allegations of financial violations. The city’s investigation into the alleged 115 premier violations ended in December, but the Independent Committee has not yet released its findings.
The court, which lasted 12 weeks from September to December 2024, has been in secret ever since. The decision on the charges is expected in the first quarter of 2025, with Pep Guardiola saying it will arrive “a month” in early February. However, the timeline has been consistently extended, and the delays have caused an increase in frustration given the severity and potential impact of the charges on the city.
The club claims they have “comprehensible irrefutable evidence” to demonstrate their innocence, accused by the Premier League more than two years ago.
However, there are suggestions that the city could face up to 100 points or a point deduction if the most serious allegations prove to be true, reporting the Mirror. There were also allegations that some of the eight Premier League titles could be stripped of and faced compensation claims from other clubs.
According to the Independent, Guardiola and his team may have to wait for the verdict until October. Club executives and senior football figures feel that the international break from October 4th to 18th may be the right moment, with hopes that further delays will be clear.
Due to the previous timeline patterns on the soccer calendar for similar cases, there is a belief that an international break in October could ultimately receive news.
Even after the verdict is made, it is expected to last for a considerable amount of time, depending on the outcome, appeals are expected from either the city or the Premier League.
The incident sparks serious controversy and discrepancies behind the scenes, with club chiefs having different opinions about what should occur if the city is found guilty.
The conclusion was originally anticipated during the 2024/25 season, but now there is a fear that the ruling could overshadow future campaigns. The charges are linked to a violation of alleged financial fair play between 2009 and 2018 and a refusal that appears to have refused to cooperate in subsequent investigations.
Since the monumental acquisition of Sheikh Mansoor in 2008, City has won eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, six League Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
