Premier League clubs push for Man City case to be resolved before season ends

Premier League clubs are pushing for Manchester City’s financial case to be concluded before the season ends after they were found guilty of widespread rule breaches.

City are preparing to appeal the independent commission’s findings after being found guilty of almost all the allegations brought against them following the Premier League’s lengthy investigation.

Rival clubs now want the league’s new expedited disciplinary procedures applied to City’s appeal to prevent the case extending beyond the current campaign.

One unnamed club executive said it would be ‘unacceptable’ for the process to continue beyond the end of the season after clubs had already waited years for an outcome.

The Premier League originally charged City in February 2023 after an investigation began following German publication Der Spiegel’s release of leaked documents about the club’s finances.

The allegations covered areas including sponsorship revenue, payments to players and managers, compliance with UEFA financial regulations and City’s co-operation with the Premier League investigation.

An independent commission has ruled against City on the overwhelming majority of the charges following a hearing that began in September 2024.

No punishment has been imposed, leaving City’s final sporting fate unresolved.

Potential sanctions available under Premier League regulations range from financial penalties and points deductions to suspension or expulsion from the competition.

City continue to contest the findings. Chief executive officer Ferran Soriano indicated this week that the legal process could still take considerable time.

However, rival clubs believe regulations approved during the summer should significantly shorten the appeals process.

Under those provisions, an appeal should ordinarily be completed within 12 weeks of being filed, while the hearing should generally last no more than five days.

There is uncertainty over whether those rules apply to proceedings that began before they were introduced.

That distinction could prove significant as clubs push for clarity before the final Premier League positions are determined next May.

City’s potential punishment could have major implications for the title race, European qualification and relegation depending on its severity and when any sanction takes effect.

The club are top of the Premier League under Enzo Maresca after a strong start to the campaign, following a summer in which more than £450 million was spent on new players.

City’s rivals are now reportedly united around one central demand – the 2026-27 season should not finish without knowing the consequences of the commission’s findings.