The decision on Manchester City's 115 financial charges has reportedly been postponed amidst a debate over the future of Premier League chair, Alison Brittain. The seven-time champions have been embroiled in a protracted legal battle since first being charged in February 2023.
Despite several indications that a verdict was imminent, a number of key factors have caused delays in the process. One of those is the uncertainty surrounding the future of competition chair, Brittain. According to The Independent, numerous senior figures at the Premier League have been gathering opinions from club executives about whether Brittain should be granted another three-year term.
These views are reportedly being influenced by the progress of the case against Manchester City, with Brittain believed to wield significant influence. It is suggested that the debate regarding support for the current chair has 'intensified'.
Furthermore, it is reported that the outcome of the City case could sway club opinions, with some senior officials stating it would be 'absurd' to form such a crucial opinion before the case is resolved.
There have also been suggestions that some clubs might vote against an extended term if the case against City does not result in a successful outcome. Premier League powerbrokers are also troubled by a lack of clarity about the process, with many feeling as though they have been kept in the dark.
Asked earlier this year for an update, Premier League CEO Richard Masters said: "I can't answer that specific question. What I can tell you about is the system and how it works.
"I mean, it's an independent judiciary, essentially. So once the allegations, the charge has been put forward, they go before an independent panel, which is independently selected, and they are then in charge of the process and its timings.
"They hear the case, they decide the outcome, and we have no influence over that, over it or its timing. And that's right, if you think from an independence point of view, that there is independent people making those decisions, and we just have to be waiting.
"My frustration is irrelevant, really. I mean, I just have to wait, and legal processes rarely take less time than you anticipated, but we have to be patient."
City have consistently maintained their innocence, whilst an appeal cannot be ruled out once the final verdict is delivered.