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Man City 115 Charges Update: Lawyer Predicts Guilty Verdict But Warns of Two-Year Delay

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Man City 'sources' provide latest update on 115 charges case

Verdict Still Months Away as Legal Expert Predicts Partial Guilt for Manchester City

The wait for a ruling on Manchester City's 115 Premier League charges continues, with sports lawyer Tom Murray telling the 'Price of Football' podcast that he believes the club will be found in breach of at least some of the allegations—but warned a final outcome might not arrive for another two years.

Murray, founding partner of the Three Points law firm, said he has spoken to barristers working on the case who themselves do not know when the independent commission will issue its decision. "I don't think anyone knows," he stated. "Even they don't know when the decision will be released. As much as I would like to speculate, I think it would be pointless."

The hearing, which began in September 2024 and ran for 10 weeks, concluded almost 18 months ago. Yet all parties—the Premier League, Manchester City, and rival clubs—remain in the dark about the outcome.

Why the Wait Matters: Stakes for the Premier League Title Race and Guardiola's Legacy

The delay has fueled intense speculation, particularly as the Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City unfolded this season. Arsenal fans have watched their team potentially secure the title while wondering whether a future points deduction for City could change the historical record.

Financial expert Stefan Borson, speaking on talkSPORT, offered a slightly more optimistic timeline. "I think it's coming quite soon, but then we have said that before," Borson admitted. "My best guess and the kind of feeling in the parties is that it will come at the end of the season—June would be most likely." He added that the length of time taken to write up the decision—18 months—has entered "ridiculous territory."

The Shadow Over Guardiola's Tenure

The case also hangs over Pep Guardiola's expected departure from the club at the end of this season. As BBC sports editor Dan Roan noted, Guardiola leaves as one of the most successful managers in Premier League history, with 17 major trophies in 10 seasons. But the charges—which relate to alleged financial breaches spanning 2009 to 2018—overlap with Guardiola's tenure, which began in 2016.

While there is no suggestion Guardiola was aware of any wrongdoing, the timing of his exit has raised questions. Whether the saga played a role in his decision to leave before the result is known remains unclear.

What the Charges Actually Allege

The 115 charges—which some reports now say have effectively grown to 130—cover a range of alleged violations between 2009 and 2018. They include:

The allegations first emerged in 2018 after German outlet Der Spiegel published leaked internal City emails that suggested the club had inflated sponsorship revenue from state-owned airline Etihad. City has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not been found guilty of any offence.

Legal Perspective: Why the Case Is Unprecedented

Tom Murray explained that the sheer volume of charges and the gravity of the allegations make this case uncharted territory in English football. "What do I think the outcome is going to be? I think Manchester City are going to be found liable, in breach of something," he said. "With the number of charges there are, I don't think they are going to get away with this."

However, Murray cautioned that even a guilty verdict would not end the matter. "This is going to be strung out for as long as possible and I think we can expect an appeal and we'll be back in the same position. In two years' time, it wouldn't be surprising if we still don't have a final outcome."

Legal experts have noted that the independent commission's ruling can be appealed by either side, and any appeal could take months or years to resolve. This means the Premier League could face a prolonged period of uncertainty, with potential sporting sanctions—including points deductions or even title stripping—hanging over the club.

What This Changes: The Broader Implications for English Football

For the Title Race

If the verdict arrives in June as Borson predicts, it will come after the season's conclusion. That could mean Arsenal celebrate a title victory now, only to see the historical record potentially altered later.

For City's Legacy

The outcome could redefine Guardiola's era. If found guilty, questions will inevitably be asked about how City achieved its dominance. The club's six Premier League titles under Guardiola, including a record four in a row, and its Champions League triumph and historic Treble would all face scrutiny.

For Premier League Governance

The case also tests the Premier League's ability to enforce its own financial rules. A guilty verdict would validate the league's investigative process; an acquittal could embolden other clubs to challenge financial regulations. For now, the league and fans alike are waiting—some impatiently, as Borson's comments suggest.

Looking Ahead: The Calendar

While City prepares to play in the FA Cup final, the club and its rivals remain in limbo. As one source noted, "This is now ridiculous territory. 18 months to write up a decision in a private arbitration is clearly ridiculous."

For context on other major football stories, see our coverage of Jamie Allen's departure from Coventry City and Curacao's historic World Cup squad announcement.

The next few weeks could finally bring clarity—or, as many fear, the beginning of another long legal battle.

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