Manchester City are likely to be found in breach of at least some of the 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League, but a final outcome may not be reached for more than two years, according to sports lawyer Tom Murray. The founding partner of Three Points law firm said the sheer volume and severity of the allegations make the case unprecedented in English football.
The hearing, which began in September 2024 and lasted ten weeks, has yet to yield a verdict. City face 54 allegations of failing to provide accurate financial information between 2009 and 2018, as well as 14 charges related to player and manager compensation. The club denies any wrongdoing.
Murray, who said he has spoken to barristers working on the case, believes an appeal is almost certain. “I think Manchester City are going to be found liable, in breach of something. With the number of charges there are, I don’t think they are going to get away with this,” he told the Price of Football podcast. “But this is going to be strung out for as long as possible. In two years’ time, it wouldn’t be surprising if we still don’t have a final outcome.”
In contrast, former City financial adviser Stefan Borson expects a verdict sooner. “I think it’s coming quite soon… June would be most likely,” he said, adding that the delay in writing up the decision is now “ridiculous”.
