Richard Masters says the Manchester City charges case has taken longer than expected, but the Premier League chief says the independent commission controls the timing. In February 2023, City were charged with more than 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, and a 12-week hearing ended in December 2024. The Independent says the commission is still yet to publish a ruling.
Masters on the delay
Masters was clear about the limits on his own role. "I can't give any update on timing or what's happening," he said, before adding: "There's only one available route through this, which is to allow the process to take its course."
He also admitted the wait has gone on longer than expected. "It has taken longer than expected, and I do understand the frustrations," he said.
That line matters because the case has now stretched across multiple seasons. City finished 2nd in the 2025 Premier League with 78 points, and they finished 8th in the 2025 Champions League league phase with 16 points from 8 games.
Clubs want clarity
Arsenal's Richard Garlick reflected the frustration around the rest of the league. "It has gone on for a while," he said.
He added: "Everybody - the league and the teams - would want the clarity around what's going to happen next."
This is the fourth Premier League season set to start with the case still unresolved. City sit 15th in the 2026 Premier League table with 0 points from 0 played, while the commission has yet to publish its ruling.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
