“It’s Taking Longer Than Expected” — Premier League Chief Finally Breaks Silence on Man City’s 115 Charges
“I do accept it’s taking longer than expected.”
That blunt admission from Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has reignited attention around Manchester City’s long-running 115-charge case, with the club still waiting for an independent commission to deliver its verdict.
More than 18 months have passed since the disciplinary hearing concluded, yet no ruling has been published. City continue to maintain their innocence, while the Premier League insists the process must be allowed to reach its conclusion.
Speaking to the BBC, Masters acknowledged the growing frustration surrounding the delay but made clear that he could not reveal when the verdict would arrive.
“I do accept it’s taking longer than expected, and I understand that people want to find out as soon as possible what’s going on, but I simply can’t provide that.”
He added that the league’s rules leave little room to shortcut the process.
“Our rules are very clear — we have to follow the process, and there’s only one real clear route through, which is to allow that process to reach its natural conclusion.”
The comments come as City remain under intense scrutiny over the more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
The club has yet to receive a final decision, leaving one of the most significant disciplinary cases in Premier League history unresolved.
Masters also addressed why City’s case has followed a very different path from Chelsea’s recent financial investigation.
Chelsea agreed a sanction agreement after their new owners voluntarily provided information concerning historic payments. Masters explained that the circumstances surrounding City were fundamentally different, particularly because some individuals connected to the alleged payments are no longer at the club and cannot be interviewed.
“The evidence base isn’t complete,” Masters said.
According to Masters, the Premier League ultimately believed a contested commission process was the appropriate route in City’s case, despite the uncertainty over how long it would take.
For now, that means the wait continues.
And with the Premier League chief himself admitting the verdict is “taking longer than expected,” the question surrounding Manchester City’s 115 charges remains as unresolved — and as closely watched — as ever.
