Richard Masters, the head of the Premier League, has spoken about Manchester City’s 115 suspected violations as the club continues to await a final outcome.
Masters disclosed that he remains unable to predict when the independent commission will deliver its verdict on the club’s alleged financial misconduct spanning nine years, beginning after the Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the club in 2009 and concluding in 2018. The three-member independent panel convened in September 2024 and conducted hearings over three months, with an initial expectation that a ruling would emerge before that campaign ended.
Nearly a year and a half has passed since the disciplinary proceedings concluded, yet the club still faces uncertainty. Supporters have expressed frustration seeking resolution, though Masters stated he cannot offer a specific timeframe.
When speaking to the BBC, Masters acknowledged that the process was extending beyond what had been anticipated and recognised public desire for swift answers, but insisted he could not supply one. He emphasised that the league’s regulations mandate following established procedures, with only one appropriate path forward, which involves allowing those procedures to reach their conclusion naturally.
The club continues to deny any wrongdoing. The 115 allegations include 54 counts related to insufficiently accurate financial documentation spanning the 2009/10 through 2017/18 campaigns. A further 14 instances allegedly involved imprecise records concerning payments to players and coaching staff during that same period.
Additional charges comprise five breaches concerning the club’s failure to meet UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations between 2013/14 and 2017/18. Seven further allegations relate to violations of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability regulations during 2015/16 to 2017/18. The remaining 35 charges concern alleged failures to cooperate with league investigations conducted from December 2018 through February 2023.
Following his appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor at the Etihad Stadium in June, Enzo Maresca was questioned about City’s ongoing situation. Regarding the 115 alleged breaches, he responded dismissively, indicating he did not consider the matter significant. He noted that during the treble-winning campaign three years earlier, identical concerns were being raised, yet three years later the circumstances remain unchanged and nothing material has occurred. Maresca indicated he had no further commentary, noting only that the organisation’s continued operation demonstrates its professionalism and success in securing trophies and achievements.