Man City 115 charges verdict could take another YEAR as Liverpool wait goes on
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Man City 115 Charges Verdict Could Take Another Year as Liverpool Waits
The verdict on Manchester City's 115 alleged Premier League rule breaches, first charged in February 2023, remains elusive, with respected journalist Miguel Delaney reporting it could drag on for at least another year—or longer—based on sources familiar with the process.
The independent commission's private hearing spanned 10 weeks from September to December 2024, covering charges like inaccurate financial reporting from 2009-2018 (54 counts), undisclosed player and manager payments, five UEFA Financial Fair Play violations (2013-18), seven PSR breaches (2015-18), and 35 counts of failing to cooperate with investigations (2018-2023). Despite Pep Guardiola's February 2025 prediction of a one-month resolution, no outcome emerged by March. On January 1, 2026, Guardiola admitted he remains in the dark.
Since the hearing ended, City has splashed nearly £500 million on transfers, including pursuits like Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi (£35m) alongside Antoine Semenyo, fueling scrutiny amid the ninth-year saga sparked by 2018 Football Leaks. The initial ruling will address liability only, not sanctions, with a "100% expectation" of appeal if unfavorable to City, who maintain innocence. Appeals would focus on process issues, limited by Premier League rules.
Delays perplex observers: UEFA's case resolved faster despite overlaps, with punishments overturned on technicalities, not evidence failure. Critics call the Premier League's hold-up "inexplicable," given available documents from leaks. Potential punishments for serious charges remain unclear—possibly title strips or points deductions—but timing matters: a late verdict could upend seasons, Champions League spots, or trophies, raising questions on suspending sanctions pending appeals.
Liverpool fans, enduring their own drawn-out points deduction appeals, watch impatiently as City's case overshadows the league, blending financial scrutiny with on-pitch dominance.
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