Premier League holds breathe as Man City’s financial investigation ends: Relegation, penalties, or appeal await

The long-running legal battle involving Manchester City and the Premier League over allegations of 115 breaches of financial regulations has reached a crucial stage, Soccernet.football understands.

MailSport reports that the closing arguments were delivered on Friday, with a three-man panel now tasked with reviewing the evidence before issuing a verdict in the coming months.

The hearing, which began on September 16 at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre, has been conducted in near-total secrecy, but last week’s final submissions mark a critical juncture.

City, the reigning Premier League champions, face accusations from the league of multiple financial rule violations, as well as failing to cooperate with a subsequent investigation.

Should the club be found guilty of the more serious charges, it could face significant consequences, including hefty financial penalties, points deductions, or even relegation.

City, however, strongly denies all wrongdoing and is preparing to challenge the allegations.

It is expected that whichever side loses will appeal the verdict, meaning the case could drag on into next season. A final decision might not be delivered until the 2025-2026 campaign, leaving the club in a prolonged period of uncertainty.

The charges against City span a 14-year period, from 2009 to 2023.

Originally, 115 charges were filed, but the total has since increased to 130 due to administrative errors.

The club is accused of failing to provide accurate financial information from the 2009-10 season through to 2017-18, as well as failing to disclose the full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s compensation between 2009-2013.

Additionally, the club is alleged to have failed to report payments to players between 2010-11 and 2015-16, and to have obstructed the league’s investigation from 2018 to 2023.

The investigation was sparked by hacked documents published in German media and has already racked up substantial legal costs, which have raised concerns among other Premier League clubs.