Premier League news as Manchester City’s high-profile case might not have a resolution until after the end of the season
Premier League clubs are reportedly set to face further delays and uncertainty over Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League. According to a fresh report from The Times, the wait for an outcome could extend beyond the end of this current season, with a final conclusion potentially not reached until after all 38 Premier League games in 2024/25 have been played in May.
This is due to the hearing relating to the alleged 115 financial breaches by City not expected to conclude until mid-December. Following this, the written reasons will need to be reviewed and communicated before becoming public.
An appeal is likely regardless of the independent panel’s ruling. This means there are still months of proceedings left before any potential punishment could be enforced, should City be found guilty – a charge they strongly deny.
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However, it is certain that the London hearing is nearing its end, with closing arguments currently being prepared. The timeline for cases such as this is uncertain, though, with previous examples of 13-week hearings, including judgement and appeal, lasting over a year.
The complexity of the case has been increased by the league having to issue a correction statement after City were actually charged with 130 counts of financial misconduct spanning more than a decade.
Following a five-year investigation into the accounts, the Premier League made the unprecedented move to take City to court in January 2023. Potential sanctions for City could include relegation, hefty fines or points deductions, and the retrospective stripping of titles.
Leading barristers from Blackstone Chambers represent both sides. Adam Lewis KC, who also represented against Everton over profitability and sustainability rules a year ago, onside with the Premier League, while Lord Pannick is on the case for City.
Last week, it was announced that Premier League clubs had approved changes to the Premier League’s financial rules following a legal battle with City over associated party transaction (APT) regulations. Despite initially claiming victory in the case, City were left disappointed by the final outcome.
