Manchester City face weeks of intense speculation after leaks suggested they are expected to be found guilty of most of the charges in the 115 case, with any appeal likely to delay a final outcome well into 2027.
The club made no comment on Friday as the news broke, instead posting highlights of Rayan Cherki's flying start to the season, confirmation that Erling Haaland had won the club's player of the month award, and an announcement of a new restaurant at the stadium. Notably absent were any pictures of corner flags, badges, or the words 'Club Statement'.
City have remained silent on the case, as have the Premier League, while the findings of the verdict have been leaked. That leak suggests publication of the full details, or at least some form of confirmation, cannot be far away, but until then neither side will comment.
Appeal process could stretch into 2027
The club will appeal any guilty verdicts, which would require a separate hearing with another judge. That hearing would not start for a few months and would then need time for a fair hearing, bringing another delay to any final outcome.
In the meantime, endless questions will be asked and theories put forward in a media frenzy. Any Premier League player on international duty will be asked for their opinion in press conferences and mixed zones, and once the Premier League returns it will be a starting point for every manager.
Maresca and players must stay focused
Enzo Maresca and his players must focus when they return to training in under two weeks. They face a trip to Anfield and a Champions League game at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the first four days back, and cannot afford to be distracted if they want to be successful this season.
Maresca was on the coaching staff in 2023 when the charges first dropped, putting him in a better place to handle the noise, and Pep Guardiola will be on speed-dial for him if needed. It will once again require something to get the fans fully onside, with the club's insistence on their innocence now disputed by an independent panel.
There will also be no shortage of people willing to criticise the club regardless of the fact the full picture has not yet arrived, and City will have to accept it, or watch more Cherki videos and hope it goes away.
