Premier League clubs are growing concerned that Manchester City's appeal against financial rule breaches will not be resolved before the end of the current season, potentially leaving the final league standings in doubt.
Manchester City have refused to agree a settlement with the Premier League, which would have ended the long-running dispute, and have instead launched an appeal against the findings of an independent commission.
The commission found City guilty on all but one of more than 100 charges relating to breaches of the division's financial rules. It determined that the club had inflated its commercial revenues and reduced costs by more than £920m, although City argue that some of the deals were the responsibility of the United Arab Emirates government rather than the club's owners.
Uncertainty over punishment
The scale of any punishment remains unknown, with a significant points deduction that could guarantee relegation being a possibility, alongside a substantial fine. There has also been speculation about titles being stripped, although nothing has been officially announced.
However, clubs are worried that City will not face punishment this season. There is also a lingering concern that City could appeal any sanction, dragging the matter out beyond this year and the next.
According to The Telegraph, one source said: "The talk among clubs is that nobody can see it getting sorted out this season. That’s a massive problem because nobody is sure what they are playing for and whether or not the final positions will stand."
Appeal process and potential delays
An appeal hearing date has yet to be set, with a panel still being appointed to examine the evidence. Premier League rules state that the appeal commission must deliver a decision within 12 weeks, but this rule was not in place when the charges were brought.
City may look to challenge this, further prolonging the saga. The appeal panel has the power to scrutinise the commission's decision, the evidence, documents and witness transcripts. It would be unusual for witnesses to be re-examined, which distinguishes the process from a full rehearing.
The appeal commission can overturn some or all of the findings, refer matters for further consideration, uphold all findings, or refer the case to a new commission for a retrial. If the appeal does not succeed for City, they may be willing to take the case beyond sporting regulatory bodies.
Clubs await outcome
Another source added: "City don’t appear to accept any guilt. Logically, you would think that having been found guilty on so many charges, they would look for some sort of settlement. But that doesn’t seem possible at the moment. Everybody is just waiting for the punishment and that is no good for the league or the clubs."
Meanwhile, City have made an unbeaten start to the new Premier League season, winning all seven of their matches, including a 1-0 away victory over Manchester United after being reduced to ten men.
