Football fans have waited patiently for an outcome regarding the case around Manchester City’s 115 charges, and ex-Aston Villa chief Keith Wyness has had his say on the matter
Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness has suggested the delay in Manchester City’s 115 charges case could be down to those handling the process being tied up with other projects. City were charged in February 2023 with breaching financial rules across a nine‑year period from 2009 to 2018, along with further allegations of failing to co‑operate with the Premier League’s investigation.
Three years on from when the club was first charged, City and the Premier League still await the final verdict on the potential breaches, which some reports claim are actually as high as 130, for allegedly violating financial regulations from 2009 to 2018 – a period in which City won three league titles.
An independent panel heard the case back in December 2024 after a 12-week tribunal. But the independent commission has yet to announce its verdict. City have denied any wrongdoing and are believed to be confident of being cleared.
READ MORE: Igor Thiago says Brentford CAN qualify for Champions League and sets sights on Man CityREAD MORE: Man City’s new stadium name explained as big change made before Brentford clash
FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page
Speaking about the case, Wyness suggested the delay has dragged on too long and pointed to possible factors behind it. “I read a very interesting appraisal of the situation from a legal source,” he told Football Insider.
“They were saying that basically they believe that the judges have not had the right time, and they’ve been busy on other cases and that’s the only reason behind it. I question that.
“I still think that there’s a settlement of some sort being tried to be worked out and how they’re going to handle the actual outcome.
“So look, we all know it’s dragged on for too long. If this is the legal situation, that it is just the judges being too busy, then I’m afraid that’s not good enough either.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Wyness’ comments are speculation on his part, rather than any confirmed explanation for the delay.
If City are found guilty of the potential breaches, however, precedent suggests sporting sanctions would be the main method of punishment.
Pep Guardiola has long said he would walk away if he discovered City’s owners had lied to him about their financial dealings.
“Why did I defend the club and the people? It’s because I work with them,” Guardiola previously said on the matter. “When they are accused of something I ask them: ‘Tell me about that.’
“They explain and I believe them. I said to them: ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and I will not be your friend any more. I put my faith in you because I believe you 100% from day one and I defend the club because of that.’”
Possible sanctions for City – if found guilty – being suggested range from having their titles stripped to major points deductions significant, enough to result in the club’s relegation from the top flight.
City remain locked in the Premier League title race with Arsenal with just two weeks left of the campaign. Five points separates the sides after Guardiola’s side dropped points at Everton on Monday, though they have a game in hand to Crystal Palace which will be played next week.
If they get the better of Arsenal, the title would be City’s fifth in six years.
An article in The Lawyer describes City’s involvement in the title race as ‘something of a nightmare’ for the league, given the optics surrounding the ongoing case.
They write: “English football now faces the very real – and awkward – possibility of the club being crowned champions at the same time as a tribunal finds it guilty of egregious rule breaches over many years.
“There is even a chance, albeit an incredibly unlikely one given the time left in the season, that City wins the League but receives a points deduction, handing the title to Arsenal.
“City competing for the title is now something of a nightmare for the Premier League. Like most arbitrations, the proceedings are confidential. That confidentiality and the 16-month wait has left rumours swirling and many scratching their heads about what is going on behind closed doors.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login