Erling Haaland looks on for Man City
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
David Kogan, head of the Independent Football Regulator, has announced when the outcome of Manchester City's case is expected to be announced.
At the end of September, the club were found guilty of charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. Since then, Enzo Maresca's team have gone on to beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in the next game.
That result has sparked concern over the validity of any games involving Man City while the prospect of point deductions or relegation hangs over the club. Many are hoping to find out what sanctions the Etihad outfit will face, if any, as soon as possible.
Man City Appeal Should Be Resolved in 12 Weeks
Man City flag
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Speaking to Times Radio, as quoted by TalkSport Independent Football Regulator chief Kogan, has now revealed that the public can expect to hear news early in 2027. He explained:
“The Premier League have said that they want to get this resolved within season and actually, of course, it’s not the Premier League, it’s an independent commission that’s going to hear this, made of three retired either judges or lawyers.
The Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City
The Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City
It's Not Up to Premier League to Speed Up Process
Generic picture of a Premier League football
Generic picture of a Premier League football
As alluded to by Kogan, the Premier League can do little to speed up the actual process, beyond potentially emphasising the value of a swift outcome to the independent commission who have the power here.
Man City appealed the initial guilty verdict on 1 October and have maintained innocence throughout the saga. That process will take up to 12 weeks, at which point the independent commission then has 30 days to deliver a final verdict. As such, it makes sense to suggest an outcome may be known in early 2027.
That, of course, does not take into account the time required to decide upon the official sanctions and when exactly they will be implemented if City are found guilty.
Key Events Timeline
February 2023 — Premier League charged Manchester City with 115 alleged financial rule breaches spanning 2009-2018.
September 2024 — Independent commission began hearing the case privately in London.
December 2024 — The 12-week hearing concluded, leaving the commission to deliberate.
October 2026 — City lodged a comprehensive appeal against the commission's guilty verdict.
Early 2027 — Outcome of appeal should be delivered by the independent commission