“Masters unleashes frustration – but confidentiality still binds him”
Manchester City’s 115 accusations still hang over the Premier League like a dark cloud – and now league boss Richard Masters admits that the case has taken “longer than expected”.
Back in February 2023, the Premier League accused Manchester City of 115 financial breaches between 2009 and 2018. Three and a half years later, the football world is still waiting for an official verdict.
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City deny any wrongdoing, but if found guilty, they risk everything from fines and points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League – or being stripped of titles from that nine-year period.
12 weeks of hearings – but no verdict
The hearing between City and the Premier League lasted for 12 weeks between September and December 2024. Due to the vast amount of information involved, the time frame between hearing and sentencing has stretched far beyond what anyone expected.
City, meanwhile, have spent £690 million on new players – and won six major trophies, including the Champions League. But the success on the pitch has not quelled the frustration of their rivals, who are still waiting for a decision.
Masters: “I understand the frustration”
Richard Masters has now spoken out about the situation in an interview with Sky News:
“Our rules are very clear: I have to keep everything confidential until we are ready to make a decision. I can’t give an update on the timing or what’s going on. There is only one way through this, and that is to let the process take its course.
“It has taken longer than expected, and I understand the frustration.
Rivals could claim £100 million
In June, it was revealed that four of City’s rivals – Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United – could each claim £100 million in damages if City are found guilty. But they will probably have to wait a while longer to see the potential nine-figure amount.
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Masters on the Chelsea case: “Not comparable”
Masters also explained why Chelsea’s case – which ended with a £10 million fine and a suspended transfer ban – is fundamentally different from the City case:
“In Chelsea’s case, the new owners came forward with all the information, and we decided to enter into a sanctions agreement. The evidence base and the lack of witnesses – none of those involved in these payments are still in the club. We cannot interview them, the evidence base is not complete.
“The alternative was to go through a controversial commission route. I’m not sure if we would have been able to raise all the charges. We made a decision that the sanctions agreement was the best thing for the league, and we are fully aware that not everyone agrees that it was the right approach. We just have to accept that.
The way forward
While City are still waiting for their verdict, speculation about what will happen continues. One thing is certain: the case has put the Premier League’s reputation to the test – and frustration both inside and outside the league is growing with each passing day without a clarification.
