Richard Masters Pep Guardiola Man City
(Credit: Getty Images)
Stefan Borson
Mon 30 June 2025 10:08, UK
Manchester City’s 115 charges case could “damage” the new Premier League season if there is a further delay in the verdict being delivered.
Man City were dealt the charges by the Premier League in February 2023 for allegedly breaching the financial fair play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
They are alleged to have concealed payments through third parties by disguising them as sponsorship revenue.
An independent commission hearing started in September last year and ended in December, with the panel still considering its verdict.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider both parties will be determined to ensure the decision comes out before the start of the new season.
Borson previously told Football Insider Man City will have “concerns” about the verdict if the situation drags on into next season.
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Liverpool will face Crystal Palace in the Charity Shield on 10 August, while the Reds will take on Bournemouth at Anfield in the first Premier League game of the campaign on 15 August.
Pep Guardiola’s side begin their season away to Wolves on 16 August.
Pep Guardiola Man City
Pep Guardiola is waiting to hear the verdict in Man City’s 115 charges case (Credit: Imago)
Man City could face another hearing after 115 charges verdict
Borson revealed there will be another hearing if Man City are found guilty of the charges.
He told Football Insider: “I think everybody will be concerned about the damage to next season and the Premier League brand if it does drag on without any decision whatsoever into next season.
“I think it will damage the launch of the new season and you can well imagine that when they have the press sessions that they have before the kick-off in that sort of last week after the Charity Shield that there will be numerous questions about 115 if it’s not out.
“Now look, we know that this decision is not the be-all and end-all. It’s not going to fix everything because it’s probably only about whether City are liable for those charges or not, and it won’t deal with the sanction.
“So, if City are found liable, then the sanction hearing is naturally going to take place during next season.
“So, this isn’t going to fix it unless City are completely cleared, including of the cooperation breaches.
“But it’s about the extent and the questions that are going to be asked if the decision isn’t out.
“I think both parties, both the League and City themselves, are both going to be very determined that the initial decision comes out before the start of the season.
“But having said that, they don’t control it.”
Premier League table top six
Man City finished third in the Premier League (Credit: Imago)
Newcastle make Jack Grealish transfer plan after Man City exit latest
In terms of a potential exit, Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish’s situation at Man City in case they are given encouragement over the deal.
However, Eddie Howe’s side are ready to pursue other priority targets before making a move for the England international, who is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Everton have also been linked with Grealish, but his £300,000-a-week wages are believed to be a major stumbling block in him completing a move over the coming weeks.
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