Stefan Borson, a former financial advisor to Manchester City, has publicly stated that he anticipates a long-awaited verdict on the club's 115 Premier League charges to be delivered by Christmas this year.
The Long-Awaited Premier League Hearing
The Premier League first brought the extensive list of charges against the Manchester club in early 2023. These allegations concern a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, during which City are accused of repeatedly breaching the league's financial regulations.
Despite the independent commission's hearing commencing over 14 months ago, the football world continues to wait for a conclusive outcome. The charges are not limited to simple financial breaches; Manchester City are also accused of failing to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), not cooperating with the Premier League's four-year investigation, and breaching UEFA's financial fair play regulations.
The club has strenuously denied any wrongdoing in relation to all 115 charges.
Who is Responsible for the Delay?
According to Borson, who made these revelations during an appearance on talkSPORT with Jim White and Simon Jordan, the delay lies squarely with the independent panel itself, not with Manchester City or the Premier League.
"Well, nobody knows because even the parties themselves expected to have been told by now. All the lawyers are surprised there is no decision at this stage, and that's on both sides," Borson stated.
He elaborated, pointing out that the panel holds the pen and are the sole reason everybody is waiting. Borson suggested that a lack of a structured, paid deliberation period after the main hearing concluded is a likely cause for the protracted timeline, noting that a decision should ideally have been produced within three to six months.
Potential Relegation and an Imminent Decision
Borson has previously been vocal about the severe potential consequences for Manchester City, suggesting that relegation could be on the table if the club is found guilty of the charges.
When discussing the timing of the verdict, Borson countered the idea that it might emerge next year, stating, "I think it still could come out before Christmas. The decision has been imminent for quite some time, there's not a lot that they can do. It doesn't take that long."
This ongoing saga continues to cast a significant shadow over the club and the Premier League, with the entire football community awaiting a resolution that will have historic implications.
