City appeals 115 charges; case could drag on until mid-2025

Manchester City are currently embroiled in a significant legal dispute that could have profound implications for the club's future, as the club faces 115 charges related to breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

The most serious allegations concern the failure to provide accurate financial information over almost a decade (2009-10 to 2017-18). If proven, these allegations could lead to severe penalties, including potential relegation from the Premier League.

The charges against the Citizens are the result of a lengthy investigation following allegations first reported by Der Spiegel.

Of the 115 charges, 54 relate to the alleged failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information of the club. The club has vehemently denied all allegations.

Her legal strategy will therefore include a vigorous defense against the charges, with the possibility of an appeal if the initial verdict is unfavorable.

If the Premier League winners are found guilty of the allegations, the consequences could be severe. Possible penalties include relegation from the English top flight, fines and points deductions.

The level of potential punishment reflects the seriousness of the allegations, particularly those related to financial misrepresentation.

Possible extension of the proceedings by 115 charges until 2025

An impartial panel will consider the matter. The hearing is expected to begin in mid- to late September 2024 and last approximately 10 weeks.

A decision could be made in early 2025, but it could drag on beyond that if either side appeals.

According to Stefan Borson, City's former financial adviser, any appeal process could drag on due to the complexity of the case and a final resolution could potentially be delayed until well after the current season.

Borson stressed that the nature of the Commission's decision could make it difficult for either party to successfully appeal.

“It's very complicated because if City lose there will inevitably be an appeal,” he told Football Insider. “If the Premier League loses, I don't know if there will be one. We'll have to wait and see.”

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will accept any result as they always have. That doesn't sound entirely true as City have appealed against every sanction in this regard.

Given the club's commitment and past conduct, an appeal is inevitable if Manchester City are found guilty.

The club would likely pursue a similar legal strategy to that used by Everton in its recent appeal against a ten-point deduction, challenging every aspect of the ruling in detail.

“But if you look at what happened with Everton's appeal, what Everton actually did when they got the 10 points was they made the decision which was, let's say, 60 pages long. They hired pretty much the best commercial lawyer in the country, Laurence Rabinowitz KC, and practically asked him to spend five days attacking every possible point.

“If we have a 200-page judgment or more in the City case, that process and the process around it will take some time. I think it's unlikely that if the decision comes in March, they will somehow be able to process, hear and decide an appeal by the end of the season.

What did Pep Guardiola say about the 115 charges?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that the club will accept the outcome of the hearing.

Guardiola said this was to the benefit of the club and the entire football community.

“I'm glad that it's starting soon and hopefully it'll be over soon, for the good of all of us. First and foremost the club, but also other Premier League clubs and all the people who aren't waiting for the verdict.”

“I wish from the bottom of my heart that there will be a trial, before an independent body – and I say again, an independent body – and that what happened will be known as soon as possible and that we accept it, as we always have.”

Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images: IMAGO / PA Images