115 Charges: Sports lawyer warns Man City could be found guilty

Manchester City could be found guilty of at least some of the 115 financial charges brought against the club by the Premier League, according to sports lawyer Tom Murray.

Murray, the founding partner of Three Points Law Firm, believes the historic case is likely to remain lengthy and highly complicated, with any verdict potentially tied up in appeals for more than two years.

The lawyer warned that the unprecedented nature of the proceedings means the outcome could take far longer than many expect.

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City Face More Than 100 Alleged Breaches

Manchester City are accused of breaching Premier League financial regulations over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.

The investigation, launched in 2019, includes allegations of inaccurate financial reporting and failure to cooperate fully with the Premier League’s inquiry.

The club have consistently denied all wrongdoing.

When the charges were formally announced in 2023, City faced 54 allegations linked to failing to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information.

They were also charged with 14 alleged breaches relating to incomplete or inaccurate disclosures involving payments to players and managers during the same period.

Tribunal Verdict Still Pending

The independent tribunal hearing began in September 2024 and reportedly lasted 10 weeks, but no verdict has yet been delivered.

Given the scale and complexity of the case, widely regarded as unprecedented in English football, delays in reaching a judgement have continued to fuel speculation throughout the sport.

Speaking on the Price of Football podcast, Murray said the sheer number of charges makes it difficult to imagine City escaping punishment entirely.

“I don’t think anyone knows,” Murray said when asked when a verdict might arrive.

“I’ve spoken to barristers working on the case, and even they don’t know when the decision will be released. As much as I would like to speculate, I think it would be pointless.”

He added, “What do I think the outcome is going to be? I think Manchester City are going to be found liable, in breach of something. With the number of charges there are, I don’t think they are going to get away with this.”