Manchester City are currently under the microscope as they face over 100 charges related to alleged breaches of Premier League Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. However, the long-awaited verdict in this ongoing saga appears unlikely to emerge this week, according to a prominent football finance expert.
The allegations, which have cast a shadow over the reigning champions since early 2023, concern potential financial indiscretions by the club between 2009 and 2018. Manchester City were referred to an independent commission by the Premier League, igniting a process that has extended far longer than initially predicted.
Should City be found at fault, potential repercussions could include a significant fine, a deduction of points, transfer embargoes, or even expulsion from the Premier League.
The hearing with the Premier League concluded late last year, with closing arguments heard prior to the New Year. An announcement was anticipated in March 2025, yet little progress has been publicly disclosed, leaving the conclusion of this case hanging precariously in the balance.
Further uncertainty arose last week when reports highlighted an ‘absurd’ development, alleging that discussions surrounding the future of Premier League chairwoman Alison Brittain had stalled proceedings.
Stefan Borson, formerly a financial advisor at Manchester City, has now voiced scepticism about an imminent verdict. Speaking to Football Insider, Borson expressed doubt: “As every day ticks by, it becomes less likely. That’s kind of obvious. They would need several days to review it before any release.”
Borson continued, “If it’s to happen during this current international break, it should have been delivered to the involved parties by the previous Friday or, perhaps, Monday. Even then, the timeline encroaches on the next round of Premier League fixtures.”
He further elaborated that the ‘international break theory’ posited to provide a convenient window free from matchdays is perhaps unrealistic. “There are very few days without games, making the idea of timing the announcement during a gameweek problematic,” he observed.
Borson concluded by noting, “This situation, for both Manchester City and the Premier League, is fraught with challenges. Unlike past cases with teams like Everton, this has ballooned to a different magnitude.”
The footballing world now waits with bated breath to see how this significant chapter in Premier League history will unfold.
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