The Premier League wants Manchester City’s long-running financial rules case to be concluded before the end of the 2026/27 season, with senior figures in English football calling for the process to be completed as quickly as possible.
The demand comes after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations during the period between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons.
According to the latest report, football figures believe the case should not extend into another campaign, particularly after the proceedings have already taken several years to reach the current stage. Manchester City have denied the allegations and are expected to appeal the findings.
The case has attracted renewed attention because the independent commission has now established liability, while the separate question of punishment remains outstanding. The Premier League and Manchester City are expected to make submissions regarding the appropriate sanction before the independent commission determines the penalty.
The financial charges cover a wide range of alleged breaches. Among the allegations was that Manchester City had artificially inflated revenue by more than £900m through sponsorship arrangements. The club has consistently rejected the accusations.
The length of the proceedings has become a major concern within English football. City were charged three years ago, and the possibility of further delays has raised questions over when any punishment could actually take effect.
One club official told BBC Sport that resolving the case quickly would benefit everyone involved, while another senior football source indicated that the matter should be completed before the campaign concludes. There is also hope within football circles that any appeal can be dealt with within a shortened timeframe.
Under Premier League regulations, appeals are normally expected to be concluded within 12 weeks of being lodged, with a decision generally expected within 30 days after the appeal process ends. However, it remains uncertain how directly those provisions will apply to the complexity of Manchester City’s case.
The independent commission remains responsible for determining the eventual punishment. Both sides can present their positions on the appropriate sanction before the commission makes its decision.
The timing has become particularly sensitive because Manchester City could potentially continue competing for major honours while the case remains unresolved. There are concerns that allowing another season to pass without a final punishment could create uncertainty around the Premier League title race and the wider competition.
Manchester City’s chief executive, Ferran Soriano, has previously indicated that the process could continue for a considerable period, adding to uncertainty over when the matter will finally reach its conclusion.
Despite the scale of the case, Manchester City will not have a further appeal route through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, the club could potentially challenge aspects of the process at the High Court on grounds relating to impartiality.
The Premier League has meanwhile made clear that it wants the matter concluded as soon as possible.
The case has also drawn a response from Manchester City’s principal sponsor, Etihad Airways. The airline rejected suggestions that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements and said it was considering legal advice over the manner in which the findings were communicated.
Etihad also said it had not been given an opportunity to participate in the proceedings and expressed concern that public statements from the Premier League could have damaging implications for the company. The Premier League declined to comment on the airline’s statement.
For Manchester City, the next significant stage will be the club’s expected appeal against the guilty findings. The outcome of that process will help determine when and how the eventual sporting and financial consequences of the case are imposed.
Until then, the club continues to operate under the shadow of a case that has been part of the Premier League landscape for several seasons. With the league now pushing for a conclusion before the end of the current campaign, attention will turn to how quickly the appeal and punishment stages can be completed.
The Premier League’s position is clear: after years of legal and regulatory proceedings, it wants the Manchester City financial case brought to a conclusion without another season passing under continued uncertainty.
