The long-awaited outcome of Manchester City’s 115-charge financial fair play showdown with the Premier League could be just around the corner.
Keith Wyness, a former Everton CEO with deep ties in the game, has hinted that the defending champions are in a strong position as the independent commission’s verdict nears.
The Premier League first launched its probe into Manchester City back in 2018, digging into the club’s financial dealings over several seasons.
After years of legal wrangling, they slapped the Citizens with 115 charges in February 2023, sending the case to an independent panel. The hearing kicked off in September 2024 and wrapped up in December, leaving fans, pundits, and rival clubs on edge ever since.
These charges aren’t small fry. They cover everything from allegedly fudging sponsorship values to dodging rules on reporting manager and player wages. The Premier League has also accused Manchester City of breaching UEFA’s financial regulations and their own profitability and sustainability guidelines, rules designed to keep the competition fair.
On top of that, the club face claims of not playing ball with the league’s investigation. The charges stretch across every season from 2009-10 to 2022-23, painting a picture of a decade-plus of alleged rule-breaking.
Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, shared his take based on chatter he’s picked up from trusted sources. “All the rumors are swirling—some say Manchester City will escape, others reckon the Premier League might strike a deal behind closed doors,” he said. “My gut, and the people I’ve relied on so far, point to City doing quite well in this case. But neither side’s walking away spotless. We’ll see soon enough.”
The timing of the verdict remains a mystery, though. Stefan Borson, a former financial advisor to Manchester City, weighed in on Football Insider just a day before Wyness, expressing frustration at the lack of clarity. “The Premier League and City could’ve handled this better,” Borson said.
“I’ve argued from the start for a clear timetable when the hearing would happen and when the decision might drop. Right now, it’s anyone’s guess. It could land this week, next week, or even drag into the summer. No one knows.”
Borson added that the secrecy is so tight, that even insiders are in the dark. “I’ve spoken to plenty of people over the last week—nobody’s got a clue,” he said. “It’s not like there’s a buzz it’s imminent. If it hits today, it’ll be a total surprise. That’s not ideal for a case this big—not just for football, but for the real people at City whose jobs could be on the line if it goes badly.”
On the pitch, Manchester City have kept their focus, with Pep Guardiola’s side still chasing silverware in 2025. No fresh updates have trickled out from the club, Guardiola, or the players on the case this week, but the tension’s building.
Will the Citizens dodge a points deduction, a hefty fine, or worse? Or will the Premier League land a blow that shakes the football world? For now, all eyes are on that verdict and the clock’s ticking.
