The independent panel reviewing Manchester City's 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules has yet to reach a decision, with sources indicating the case could drag on for at least another six months. The club confirmed in their December annual accounts that no verdict had been reached, and the panel of three judges is understood to have been working on other cases concurrently.
The delay has fuelled speculation over Pep Guardiola's future, with his expected departure after this season linked to the uncertainty. Enzo Maresca is tipped as his successor. City maintain their innocence, but sources say there is a '100 per cent expectation' they would appeal any unfavourable outcome, potentially extending proceedings by up to a year.
City's January spending spree – including £35m for Marc Guehi and £62.5m for Antoine Semenyo – has pushed net transfer spend since the hearing concluded in December 2024 to almost £500m. This has irritated some Premier League clubs, though many now simply want resolution, with legal fees already in the tens of millions.
The prolonged case now covers 86 months – 21 per cent of the Premier League's history – during which City have won five league titles, a Champions League, and multiple cups. Senior football figures question the impact on competition integrity and the league's regulatory process.
Compared to City's successful appeal against UEFA sanctions in 2020, which took 20 months, the current case has already exceeded that timeframe fourfold. While the Premier League cites the case's complexity, sources note that much evidence, including leaked documents, is readily available.
