A verdict on Manchester City’s 115 charges can be expected before the summer’s FIFA World Cup, it is being reported.
The long-running case involving City and the Premier League has remained shrouded in silence since the conclusion of a 12-week hearing back in December 2024.
Originally announced in February 2023, the charges relate to an extended period between 2009 and 2018, during which Manchester City are alleged to have breached financial regulations, including the accurate reporting of sponsorship revenue and remuneration details.
The suggestion that figures at United anticipate City being exonerated will raise eyebrows among some. However, it underlines a growing belief in some quarters that the complexity of the case and burden of proof required could make severe sporting sanctions difficult.
Speculation over potential punishments has ranged from substantial fines to a significant points deduction if the most serious allegations were upheld. Elsewhere, some have pointed out that under Premier League regulations, a heavy points penalty would be more plausible than expulsion from the English football pyramid.
Both City and the Premier League are expected to receive short notice before any outcome is made public, and with a reported timeframe now pointing towards a decision before the summer’s global showpiece, attention will intensify in the coming weeks.