It could be another year before we hear a verdict from Man City’s legal battle with the Premier League on their alleged 115 breaches
Matty Hewitt Football Writer
22:00, 16 Jan 2026
Man City are yet to hear back from their ongoing legal battle with the Premier League.(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City’s ongoing legal dispute with the Premier League could reportedly drag on for another year, according to The Independent. It is said that the three independent judges have yet to reach a verdict and, apart from a select few, no one knows when a decision will be made.
Liverpool and their Premier League rivals are also awaiting a verdict with City accused of breaching financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, as well as failing to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.
City has consistently denied any wrongdoing. While often referred to as 115 charges, it’s thought there could be as many as 130 potential breaches.
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During this period, Pep Guardiola’s team clinched three Premier League titles. An independent panel heard arguments from both parties from 16 September to 6 December 2024.
There were initial whispers of a verdict being delivered as early as February 2025, but it’s expected that either side would appeal against an unfavourable decision.
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Guardiola’s comment back in February 2025 hinted at a resolution by March, but it’s not entirely surprising that the process is taking longer than anticipated.
Despite the ongoing situation, Premier League boss Richard Masters was unable to provide any updates when questioned in July last year.
Speaking to NBC, he said: “You can ask but our rules are very clear, it’s a confidential process so I can’t give any information on timing or anything like that. I can’t add anything on that.”
A recent report from the Independent suggests there is growing frustration at the Premier League’s top echelons over the length of time it’s taking to reach a decision, but neither party can expedite the process.
With Liverpool target Marc Guehi set to join City soon, the club’s net expenditure since December 2024 will exceed £500m, a figure that has reportedly irked several Premier League clubs.
Guardiola was once again asked about his current position on the 115 charges case and whether he would prefer a quick resolution.
However, he remained tight-lipped, responding: “It’s the same question I ask to you; I don’t know. I don’t know.
“Maybe you have better info than me! You don’t have? Neither. I would love to have it but I don’t know, I don’t know.
“It’s the same answer to your question, the same answer from me one, two, three years ago; they must be so busy.”