Man City 115 charges verdict delay explained as Liverpool and Premier League watch on
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
Manchester City were charged with 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations over a nine-year period, with a final decision now unlikely to come before the end of the season.A final decision over Manchester City's alleged financial breaches is now expected to drag beyond this season's conclusion, according to claims. Pep Guardiola's outfit faces accusations of violating Premier League regulations across a nine-year stretch from 2009 to 2018.Their hearing wrapped up 13 months ago, with widespread expectation that a resolution would swiftly follow.
Yet eight months after the City boss's predicted timeline, a final call and verdict on the case remains elusive.City AM indicate the protracted legal dispute between City and the Premier League may now stretch past the current season, with the eagerly awaited judgment expected to be "delivered in stages."READ MORE: Referee with history of Liverpool drama on CV appointed for Tottenham clashREAD MORE: Man City 115 charges latest after 'imminent' claims as Liverpool await verdictCity addressed the ongoing proceedings in their annual financial accounts published on Tuesday. City would still have the option to challenge any guilty finding or penalty handed down.Nevertheless, it's crucial to emphasise City reject all accusations made against them.
With regards to potential punishments, The Telegraph reported last year that competing clubs feel a straightforward points deduction wouldn't suffice if City are convicted on all 115 charges, though City maintain they possess conclusive evidence in their defence.The independent commission holds authority to impose any penalty "it shall think fit" - meaning exclusion from the Premier League remains a theoretical option.Yet relegation would create additional complexities, given the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) function as distinct organisations. The possibility of further hearings threatens to drag the case well into next season and beyond.City initially faced their charges more than three years ago and, while conjecture persists, it now seems virtually impossible to forecast when a conclusive ruling will emerge.Stefan Borson, City's former financial adviser, argues that neither the club nor the Premier League should shoulder responsibility for the protracted timeline.