Manchester City were charged with 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules over a period between 2009 and 2018, but a verdict is now unlikely to be delivered before the end of the season
Pep Guardiola reacts as Manchester City are knocked out of the Champions League last season by Real Madrid
Pep Guardiola thought a verdict regarding Man City's 115 charges would be given eight months ago
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A definitive ruling on Manchester City's supposed infringement of Premier League financial regulations is now expected to arrive after the current campaign concludes - according to fresh reports. City face accusations of violating rules across a nine-year span from 2009 through to 2018.
The tribunal wrapped up 13 months prior, with widespread anticipation that a judgement would emerge shortly thereafter. Pep Guardiola had previously indicated to journalists that he foresaw a resolution materialising in March of this year. Yet, eight months beyond the City boss's projected timeline for a public announcement, resolution remains as elusive as ever.
CityAM suggests the protracted legal dispute between the club and the Premier League may now stretch past the present season, with the much-anticipated ruling expected to be "delivered in stages."
On Tuesday, City incorporated a declaration regarding the ongoing proceedings within their yearly financial documentation. The statement proclaimed: "In response to the charges, the club issued a public statement that it welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
"As at the date of publishing these financial statements the independent commission is still in the process of reviewing the matter."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Manchester City face the risk of being relegated from the Premier League
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Even once a final judgement is delivered, this may not mark the conclusion of proceedings. The commission will initially determine solely questions of liability - with a distinct sanctions tribunal to follow should any accusations be substantiated. City would furthermore maintain the right to challenge any guilty determination or penalty levied.
Nevertheless, it bears emphasising that City refute all claims made against them. Concerning potential sanctions, The Telegraph reported last year that competing clubs consider a straightforward points deduction would prove inadequate should City be deemed culpable of all 115 accusations - to which City maintain they possess conclusive evidence in their defence.
The independent commission possesses authority to enforce any penalty "it shall think fit," meaning ejection from the Premier League remains a theoretical prospect.
Yet relegation would create additional complexities, given the Premier League and the EFL function as distinct organisations. Should they be demoted from the top division, City would be required to seek admission into the English Football League (EFL).
An alternative sanction might encompass points deductions distributed over several campaigns, which would render it considerably more challenging for Guardiola's squad to compete for silverware and secure European qualification. It's the possibility of further hearings that could see this case drag on well past the current campaign, ultimately.
City initially faced charges more than three years ago and, whilst guesses can be made, it now seems virtually impossible to forecast when a conclusive ruling will emerge.
City's former financial adviser Stefan Borson reckons neither City nor the Premier League ought to shoulder responsibility for the hold-up. Speaking to talkSPORT, he remarked: "Well, look, nobody knows because even the parties themselves expected to have been told by now.
"All the lawyers are surprised there is no decision at this stage, and that's on both sides. I'll tell you who's holding it up - the panel making the decision. They hold the pen.
"We can now assume, given how long it has taken and how surprised everyone is, that there's very little guidance being given to them, and they weren't effectively paid for their time from the moment the case ended."
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