Manchester City's Premier League disciplinary charges have been a mystery for three years now, with no end in sight. The league initially announced 134 charges against the club, alleging failure to provide accurate financial information and proper cooperation with the investigation. However, since then, precious little new information has emerged.
The silence from both parties is understandable, as neither wants to prejudice an outcome or put pressure on the three-person disciplinary panel led by Murray Rosen KC. Yet, this lack of transparency has sparked speculation and accusations of a cover-up or stitch-up, with some claiming that the process may have been botched by the Premier League.
The hearings concluded in December 2024, after a year-long investigation, but no verdict has been announced yet. Speculation ranges from "imminently" to "years away", with concerns about the length of time and its implications on the sport. One senior figure in English football described it as "outrageous," stating that the case is not complicated and that the panel should have delivered a verdict quickly.
The Premier League's handling of the case has come under scrutiny, particularly its chief executive, Richard Masters, who faced intense pressure at the time of the hearings. However, over the past 12 months, the mood has shifted, with some clubs showing fatigue regarding the City case and legal activity more broadly.
A new set of financial regulations was agreed upon in 2025, bringing an end to two years of bickering between clubs and the executive. The dynamics within the boardroom have changed, with key figures leaving or being removed from influential positions.
As the case continues to drag on, there is a growing sense that any compromise verdict may be possible โ one where City are found guilty on some charges but not others, resulting in tangible sanctions rather than a more severe punishment. Three years into this saga, and despite its significance, many remain none the wiser as to what will ultimately happen.
The silence from both parties is understandable, as neither wants to prejudice an outcome or put pressure on the three-person disciplinary panel led by Murray Rosen KC. Yet, this lack of transparency has sparked speculation and accusations of a cover-up or stitch-up, with some claiming that the process may have been botched by the Premier League.
The hearings concluded in December 2024, after a year-long investigation, but no verdict has been announced yet. Speculation ranges from "imminently" to "years away", with concerns about the length of time and its implications on the sport. One senior figure in English football described it as "outrageous," stating that the case is not complicated and that the panel should have delivered a verdict quickly.
The Premier League's handling of the case has come under scrutiny, particularly its chief executive, Richard Masters, who faced intense pressure at the time of the hearings. However, over the past 12 months, the mood has shifted, with some clubs showing fatigue regarding the City case and legal activity more broadly.
A new set of financial regulations was agreed upon in 2025, bringing an end to two years of bickering between clubs and the executive. The dynamics within the boardroom have changed, with key figures leaving or being removed from influential positions.
As the case continues to drag on, there is a growing sense that any compromise verdict may be possible โ one where City are found guilty on some charges but not others, resulting in tangible sanctions rather than a more severe punishment. Three years into this saga, and despite its significance, many remain none the wiser as to what will ultimately happen.