The Premier League wants Manchester City’s financial regulations case concluded before the end of the current season, with senior figures in English football urging a swift resolution to the long-running dispute.
The call comes after an independent commission found City guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. The commission found that the club had artificially increased its reported revenue and reduced costs by more than £900m during the period.
City have rejected the findings and intend to appeal the verdict. Chief executive Ferran Soriano has maintained the club’s innocence and argued that the commission made significant errors in its conclusions.
The case has already taken more than three years since the Premier League formally brought its charges in February 2023. The disciplinary hearings eventually concluded in December 2024, but the verdict only emerged in September 2026.
Senior football figures now believe the remaining process should move quickly.
One club official told BBC Sport that concluding the matter promptly would benefit all parties, while another source said the case should be completed before the season ends and expressed hope that any appeal could be dealt with within a shortened timeframe.
The final decision on any punishment will come from the independent commission. Both Manchester City and the Premier League will have the opportunity to make submissions on the appropriate sanction before the commission decides the penalty.
The pressure to settle the case quickly has increased because allowing City to continue through another season without a final punishment could create uncertainty around the Premier League competition, particularly if the club remains involved in the title race.
Appeal process could determine timeline
Premier League rules generally require an appeal hearing to conclude within 12 weeks of the appeal being lodged, while the appeal board should issue its decision within 30 days of the hearing ending.
However, it remains uncertain how those deadlines will apply to the specific circumstances surrounding City’s case.
City chief executive Soriano has previously indicated that the legal process could continue for a significant period. The club has no further appeal route to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although it could potentially challenge the process at the High Court on grounds relating to impartiality.
The Premier League has said it remains committed to moving quickly through the remaining stages of the case.
Etihad rejects allegations
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, has rejected suggestions that it participated in improper commercial arrangements linked to the case.
The airline said it was considering legal advice after the commission’s findings and expressed concern about the way the Premier League communicated the allegations.
Etihad also said it was not given an opportunity to participate in the disciplinary process and argued that public statements surrounding the findings could damage its reputation.
The airline has maintained its long-standing relationship with Manchester City and said it would consider steps to protect its interests.
The Premier League declined to comment on Etihad’s statement.
As City prepares its appeal, the club’s eventual punishment remains undecided, leaving the long-running financial case set for another stage before a final resolution.
