The verdict in Manchester City's landmark case regarding 115 financial rule breach charges is now unlikely to be delivered before summer 2025, according to reports.
The decision from the independent commission had been expected in early spring, but the timeline has now been pushed back.
The case, which has been dubbed football's "trial of the century", concluded hearings in December after almost three months of legal arguments.
The hearing took place at London's International Dispute Resolution Centre, where legal arguments were presented over a three-month period.
Man City are adamant they have done nothing wrong
Reuters
No firm deadline was ever established for the verdict, despite initial expectations of an announcement this spring.
The 2025/26 Premier League season is scheduled to begin on August 16, raising questions about whether the decision will arrive before the new campaign starts.
The delay means the case will have been ongoing for over two years since charges were first announced in February 2023.
Manchester City face charges of breaching financial rules over a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, as well as allegedly failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations.
The original 115 alleged breaches actually total closer to 130 due to confusion when the charges were first announced.
The allegations include not providing accurate financial information, particularly regarding sponsorship income, and failing to disclose full details of former manager Roberto Mancini's pay between 2009 and 2013.
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Legal experts are not surprised by the extended timeline given the complexity of the case and volume of evidence presented.
The charges span nearly a decade of alleged financial misconduct, requiring extensive review by the commission.
The Premier League's investigation into City has been ongoing for nearly six and a half years.
The high-profile nature of what has been called football's "trial of the century" also contributes to the thorough examination required before reaching a verdict.
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Manchester City's defence is being led by Lord PannickPAManchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.
The club claims to possess "irrefutable evidence" that will clear them of all charges.
Their defence is being led by Lord Pannick KC, a prominent legal figure.
City manager Pep Guardiola has repeatedly urged critics to withhold judgment until the case concludes.
The club has welcomed the independent commission's review to "impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" in their favour.
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Pep Guardiola has repeatedly urged critics to withhold judgment until the case concludes
ReutersIf the serious charges against City are found proven, they could face severe penalties including a heavy points deduction or even relegation.
Other Premier League clubs might also pursue claims for loss of income from missing out on league titles or European competitions over several seasons.
These potential compensation claims could total hundreds of millions of pounds.
City have stated they "look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all".
