Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has acknowledged that the process for reaching a verdict on Manchester City's 115 alleged breaches of financial rules is taking "longer than expected." The case, which began with charges in February 2023, involves alleged rule-breaking between 2009 and 2018. The hearing itself concluded in December 2024 after 12 weeks of proceedings.
Masters described the case as "hugely complex" in comments made to the BBC, defending the time taken to ensure the process reaches its conclusion. He stated that the league must follow its rules and allow the independent commission to establish the truth without qualification on the time taken. "I do accept it is taking longer than expected and I understand that people want to find out as soon as possible what's going on, but I simply can't provide that," Masters said.
The charges against Manchester City, who deny any wrongdoing, have been extended to a total of 130 after an administrative issue. The club is accused of failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons from 2009-10 to 2017-18. Specific allegations include not providing full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009-10 and 2012-13, and failing to provide complete information on money paid to players from 2010-11 to 2015-16. Furthermore, the club is alleged to have not cooperated with the investigation between 2018 and 2023.
The ongoing delay has led to frustration among football fans, particularly as the new Premier League season is set to begin. Critics have expressed concern that the prolonged nature of the case makes a mockery of the competition and suggests an uneven application of rules compared to other clubs that have faced and resolved financial breach charges more quickly. The potential penalties for Manchester City, should they be found guilty, could range from significant financial penalties and points deductions to relegation.
Masters, speaking in a separate interview with Sky Sports, rejected the notion that he was angry with the commission overseeing the case, reiterating that they need time and space to conduct their work. The Premier League's role, he explained, is to present allegations if the evidence is strong enough to an independent commission, allowing them to determine the facts.