Premier League Chief Admits: Manchester City Charges Decision Delayed, No Timeline Available

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has admitted that the verdict on the charges against Manchester City is "taking longer than anticipated." The club was charged with 115 alleged breaches of the league's financial rules in February 2023, but a final decision on the case has yet to be reached.

Three years ago, City were charged with breaching Financial Fair Play rules over a nine-year period, from 2009 to 2018. The club, which won three Premier League titles during that time, denies all allegations and maintains it has committed no wrongdoing.

According to the Premier League, Manchester City breached the rules for nine consecutive seasons by allegedly failing to provide accurate financial information. The club is also accused of refusing to cooperate with the league's investigations into its finances.

The hearing for the case, which lasted 12 weeks, took place before a three-person independent commission between September and December 2024. However, nearly two years later, a decision has still not been announced.

When asked for an update during an event for the launch of the new 2026/27 season, Masters told Sky: "I can't add anything more. Our rules are very clear on this matter – I must keep everything confidential until we are ready to announce the decision and be clear about it. I can't provide any update on the timeline or what is happening," he added.

"There is only one possible way forward, and that is to let the process run its course. It has taken longer than expected, and I understand the frustration."

Asked if he was angry with the commission, he replied: "No, I've already said that the commission needs the time and space to do its job. Ultimately, the Premier League's role is to present the charges, if the evidence is strong enough, to an independent commission and allow that commission to establish the truth. That should not be questioned because of the time it takes to get there," Masters concluded.