{"id":19180,"date":"2026-01-03T17:53:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/03\/there-is-no-excuse-for-manchester-citys-delayed-sentencing-the-process-is-becoming-a-farce\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T17:53:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:53:09","slug":"there-is-no-excuse-for-manchester-citys-delayed-sentencing-the-process-is-becoming-a-farce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/03\/there-is-no-excuse-for-manchester-citys-delayed-sentencing-the-process-is-becoming-a-farce\/","title":{"rendered":"There is no excuse for Manchester City’s delayed sentencing – the process is becoming a farce"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n
\n
More than a year after the hearing into the Premier League’s 115 charges against the Etihad club concluded, there is no sign that any decision will be taken by the independent commission.<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
January 3, 2026, 16:20<\/span>Updated January 3, 2026 16:25<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/span>Josep Guardiola is still waiting for the verdict on 115 charges brought against the club<\/span>(Image: Glyn KIRK\/AFP, Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Manchester City will carry on regardless, because they absolutely have to. They are aiming for another Premier League title and are considering the possibility of signing him in the mid-season transfer window. The club’s board could be preparing for Josep Guardiola’s departure at any time.<\/p>\n
Some players may be considering new contracts, while others may be considering whether it is best to explore other options. The restart of the Champions League campaign beckons. All normal stuff.<\/p>\n
However, the most successful club in the modern Premier League era is the one that continues to be accused of well over 100 breaches of competition rules. Honestly, I know this is a relatively complicated case, but isn’t it really that complicated?<\/p>\n
read more: Rory McIlroy gives Manchester United a harsh reality check, admitting he has given up on watching matches live.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Early in the new year, it became an official farce. I can’t make any more excuses. What on earth is the independent commission doing after completing its public hearings over a year ago? The credibility of the Premier League as a whole is being undermined.<\/p>\n
Pep Guardiola could only let out a sarcastic laugh when asked about the charges the other day. “They must be busy,” he said.<\/p>\n
He then moved on to previewing the match and asking questions about dead batting transfers. Since the charges were announced, City have won the Treble, becoming the first club to win the top flight title four years in a row.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/span>Erling Haaland didn’t seem too worried about possible legal penalties as he signed a new long-term contract with Manchester City<\/span>(Image: Charlotte Wilson\/Offside via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
They have bought and sold a number of football players and have Erling Haaland tied up in a contract that expires at the end of this year. It’s almost three years since I was accused.<\/p>\n
Guardiola has signed a new contract in the meantime. Etihad Stadium is being expanded. The date of the first accusation of financial fraud is approaching 17 years ago.<\/p>\n
It’s really absurd. The city noted the ongoing process when it released its latest report.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/span>Premier League chief executive Richard Masters was unable to confirm the timing of a decision on the charges against Manchester City.<\/span>(Image: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cFollowing the accusations, the club has issued a public statement saying it welcomes the review of this matter by an independent panel to comprehensively consider the irrefutable evidence supporting the club’s position. At the time of issuing these statements, the independent panel is still in the process of reviewing this matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course, that has been City’s position from day one. The club says there was no wrongdoing involved. The Premier League was probably equally convinced that City had done something wrong.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/span>Guardiola recently joked that decision-makers were “busy” when asked about the charges.<\/span>(Image: James Gill – Danehouse\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
But the longer it takes for a verdict to be handed down, the more questions will arise about the final verdict, whatever it may be. We’re really at that stage.<\/p>\n
When it takes more than a year to reach some conclusion, it’s natural to wonder how convincing that conclusion is. Yes, this is an independent committee, meaning the ridiculous delays are not the Premier League’s fault.<\/p>\n
But there must come a time when the Premier League can say to an independent commission… Look, this is stupid, make a decision or forget it. And even if it lasts even longer, we will forget about it anyway. It has become a farce that must end.<\/p>\n
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts<\/p>\n
\n
This article contains affiliate links and we receive a commission from any sales we generate from them. learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a343<\/p>\n
\u00a335<\/p>\n
sky<\/p>\n
Get the deal here<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025\/26 season, saving members \u00a3192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Manchester](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36431032.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_GettyImages-2251267667.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36434728.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2252189902.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"Richard](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36456930.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Liverpool-FC-v-Crystal-Palace-FC-Premier-League.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"MANCHESTER,](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36460247.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-2213369489.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"content](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article33374947.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
<\/div>\n