Man City date for 115 charges verdict changes again as club chiefs' expectations emerge

Manchester City, along with their Premier League rivals, may be left in suspense until as late as October this year for the verdict on their alleged financial breaches. The inquiry into City's alleged 115 violations of Premier League regulations concluded in December, yet the independent commission has not yet made its findings public.

The tribunal, which lasted 12 weeks from September to December 2024, has been shrouded in secrecy ever since. The decision on the charges was anticipated in the first quarter of 2025, with Pep Guardiola having stated in early February that it would arrive in "one month". But the timeline has consistently been extended, and the delay is causing increasing frustration, given the gravity of the accusations and potential implications for City.

The club maintains they have a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" to demonstrate their innocence, having been charged by the Premier League over two years ago.

However, there are suggestions that City could face a points deduction of up to 100 points or relegation if the most serious allegations are proven true, reports the Mirror. There have also been assertions that they could be stripped of some of their eight Premier League titles and face compensation claims from other clubs.

According to The Independent, Guardiola and his squad may have to wait until October for the verdict. Club executives and senior football figures feel the international break - from 4 to 18 October - might be an opportune moment, with their expectations for further delays crystal clear.

There is belief surrounding that October international break that news could finally arrive due to previous timeline patterns in the football calendar regarding similar cases.

Even after the verdict is delivered, the case is expected to continue for a considerable time, with appeals anticipated from either City or the Premier League, depending on the outcome.

The case has stirred up significant controversy and discord behind the scenes, with club chiefs holding differing opinions on what should transpire if City are found guilty.

The conclusion was initially expected during the 2024/25 season, but there are now fears that the ruling could overshadow the forthcoming campaign. The charges pertain to alleged financial fair play breaches between 2009 and 2018 and the supposed subsequent refusal to co-operate with an investigation.

Since Sheikh Mansour's monumental takeover in 2008, City have clinched eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, six League Cups, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.