Manchester City deny all wrongdoing over the 115 charges against them and are currently locked in a title battle with Arsenal
Manchester City's Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland (C) comes on for Manchester City's Egyptian striker #07 Omar Marmoush (R) during the English FA Cup semi final football match between Manchester City and Southampton at Wembley stadium in London, on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE
Manchester City are awaiting a verdict on their 115 charges(Image: BEN STANSALL, AFP via Getty Images)
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Manchester City are continuing to be left in limbo defending the 115 charges levelled against them. While the Blues are still waiting for a ruling, it has been claimed that there are two 'high probability' reasons for the lengthy delay; either because the judges are occupied with other cases or a verdict still being deliberated by those involved.
City deny any wrongdoing over the charges and Pep Guardiola has done remarkable to blank out the distraction by clawing back the deficit to Arsenal in the Premier League table.
According to an article in The Lawyer, which presents several scenarios about what might be happening behind the scenes, additional, but less likely reasons for the hold-up, could simply be that the three judges have yet to reach a unanimous decision. The publication notes that judges generally prefer to steer clear of split rulings, meaning the trio may well attempt to move past any disagreements in an effort to reach a consensus, something which inevitably takes time.
The Lawyer also points to the high profile of the case and the pressure to reach the right decision. "This is a complicated case. Not only will there almost inevitably be an appeal from at least one side, this judgment will likely be one of the most read and analysed decisions in modern legal history," the article reads.
An even less probable outcome could see both parties entering settlement discussions. For this to occur, City may need to acknowledge some degree of wrongdoing, which would represent a dramatic shift in their position.
Guardiola's City have competed with such uncertainty looming over them for well over a year while legal proceedings remain ongoing. Should they finish ahead of Arsenal and win the title, it would represent the fifth time they have finished top of the pile in the space of six seasons.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola's City are still fighting for the Premier League title this season(Image: Michael Regan - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
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City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained their innocence but it remains possible that they could lift the title and receive a verdict on the charges around the same time. The article in The Lawyer suggests describes City's involvement in the title race is "something of a nightmare" for the top flight given the perception surrounding the circumstances.
They write: "English football now faces the very real - and awkward - possibility of the club being crowned champions at the same time as a tribunal finds it guilty of egregious rule breaches over many years. There is even a chance, albeit an incredibly unlikely one given the time left in the season, that City wins the League but receives a points deduction, handing the title to Arsenal.
"City competing for the title is now something of a nightmare for the Premier League. Like most arbitrations, the proceedings are confidential. That confidentiality and the 16-month wait has left rumours swirling and many scratching their heads about what is going on behind closed doors."
Guardiola has publicly defended the club in press conferences, despite the charges predominantly covering a period before his 2016 arrival at the club. In 2023, he was asked whether he would stay if the club get demoted from the Premier League.
"I will wait," he said. "Wait and see it, and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it."