Man City’s Financial Fair Play Verdict Delayed: Outcome Likely After Season Ends

A Verdict Still Pending After One of Football’s Longest Legal Sagas

Manchester City, the reigning powerhouse of English football, will have to wait even longer to learn the outcome of the Premier League’s extensive investigation into their financial practices. According to The Telegraph, the verdict on City’s alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches is not expected to be delivered before the end of the current 2024/25 season.

This legal standoff, dubbed by many as the “Trial of the Century,” officially began in February 2023—though the alleged violations stretch as far back as 2009. After nearly two years of delays and procedural back-and-forth, the hearing concluded in December 2024. Yet, despite manager Pep Guardiola’s optimistic claim in February that a verdict would come within a month, April has arrived with no resolution in sight.

The Scale of the Allegations: What Is Manchester City Accused Of?

Initially reported as 115 breaches, the final number of charges against City stands at 130 alleged violations of Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2023. This period coincides with the club’s most successful era, including seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and their first-ever Champions League triumph in 2023.

The core of the accusations involves obstructing financial investigations and false accounting, with some suggesting City intentionally misled the league over sponsorship revenue and other financial inflows. The club, owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, strongly denies all allegations.

These claims echo past issues City faced with UEFA. In 2020, they were banned from European competition for two years for similar reasons, but that decision was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) due to “time-barred” evidence. However, unlike UEFA, the Premier League’s rules do not have time limitations, making this current case significantly more threatening for the club.

What Penalties Could Manchester City Face?

The range of possible sanctions is wide—and severe. Should the independent panel rule against City, the consequences could include:

• Hefty financial fines
• Points deductions
• Stripping of previous titles
• Even relegation to the lower leagues

While these are worst-case scenarios, the scale of the allegations makes them realistic outcomes if the club is found guilty.

Meanwhile, City are also locked in a separate legal battle with the Premier League regarding sponsorship rules. They have secured a partial victory in that case, fueling hopes within the club of reshaping the league’s financial regulations in their favor.

Impact Beyond Manchester: What This Means for English Football

This prolonged saga doesn’t only affect Manchester City—it casts a long shadow over the Premier League’s integrity and financial governance. Rivals, fans, and stakeholders across European football are watching closely. If City is cleared, critics may question the legitimacy of the league’s regulatory framework. If found guilty, it could mark a seismic shift in how financial compliance is enforced in top-flight football.

Given the high stakes, the delay in the verdict is perhaps understandable—but it also deepens the uncertainty surrounding the club and the broader competitive balance of the league.

What’s Next—and What Do You Think?

As the Premier League season approaches its climax, the uncertainty around City’s legal fate remains a cloud over both their achievements and the future structure of English football.

Do you believe Manchester City will be found guilty, or will they once again avoid serious punishment like in the UEFA case?