The wait to find out the verdict for Man City’s charges for 115 alleged breaches.) of Premier League financial rules, despite a timeline recently outlined by manager Pep Guardiola.
The case against City were heard in front of an independent panel and concluded at the end of last year. The club vehemently deny the charges and have vowed to defend themselves.
Despite the case being finished since December, the independent panel are still yet to deliver their verdict. They are reviewing the evidence to come to a conclusion.
It’s a situation the all Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs will be keeping a close eye on. Arsenal especially, due to the Gunners competing with City for the Premier League title over the 2023/24 and 2022/23 season.
Speaking exactly a month ago, Guardiola gave the latest on when a verdict could be expected.
"In one month I think there will be a verdict and a sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far," he said. "Still, at the end, every club can do whatever they want.
"Because in the last 10 years we are third [for net spend], but in the last five even with what we won we are behind the top six teams so I’m sorry for the comments and that is why I don't agree.
"In the last five years, we are the last team in the top six for net spend. Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, United, Arsenal, Tottenham.
"Even from Liverpool. The only reason why is we sell a lot in the last seasons but even with that I know this club, it is always ‘just about the money.'”
With that month now passed, it seems that the wait will go on for a bit longer. If City are found guilty, then the punishment could range from a big fine to a points deduction or even expulsion from the league.