Manchester City case marks two years of hearings as barrister slams ‘incredible delay’

The Manchester City financial case has reached an uncomfortable milestone this Wednesday: two full years have passed since the independent commission began examining the more than 100 charges laid by the Premier League, and there is still no verdict. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from Nick De Marco, one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent sports barristers, who has called it an “incredible delay” in a process the club continues to face while steadfastly denying any wrongdoing.

• The independent hearing began exactly two years ago and no outcome has yet been announced.
• The Premier League has brought more than 100 charges against City over alleged breaches of its financial rules.
• Barrister Nick De Marco has labelled the wait an “incredible delay” and questioned the supposed speed of sports arbitration.
• Premier League chief executive Richard Masters admits the process has taken longer than expected.
• Manchester City have consistently and strongly denied any misconduct.

Two years of hearings over Manchester City’s financial charges

The timeline dates back to February 2023, when the Premier League formally brought the charges against the Manchester club. However, the league’s investigation had started much earlier, in 2018. The case took a decisive step forward two years later, when the independent commission opened hearings to examine the more than 100 charges linked to alleged breaches of the competition’s financial regulations.

Since then, silence has been absolute. No meaningful leaks or indicative deadlines have emerged, and the club has maintained an unwavering stance: it denies every accusation and defends the legality of its financial management during the years under scrutiny. The passing of time without a conclusion is starting to fuel a public debate about the league’s ability to resolve this kind of litigation swiftly.

Nick De Marco criticises the pace of the Manchester City case

Nick De Marco has used his X account to voice his frustration at the time elapsed. The barrister, who has extensive experience in high-profile football disputes, noted that Wednesday marks two years since the hearing began and took aim at those who defend sports arbitration as a faster route than ordinary courts.

It is a most incredible delay. So much for those who argue that one of the advantages of sports arbitration is it is speedier and more efficient than using the courts…

De Marco is not part of Manchester City’s legal team in this case. However, Lord David Pannick, a colleague at Blackstone Chambers and one of the UK’s most prestigious barristers, has worked for the club on the matter. De Marco has been involved in other notable English football litigations, including Leicester City’s dispute with the Premier League over alleged rule breaches.

Richard Masters admits the process has dragged on longer than expected

The Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, conceded last month that the City proceedings have gone beyond the timeline the organisation had anticipated. He made the remarks during a media briefing on the eve of the new season, although he played down the issue’s prominence in the league’s day-to-day agenda.

Masters said the case is not a topic that comes up regularly in his conversations with top-flight clubs and stressed that the Premier League is moving forward as normal. Asked whether the dispute might never be resolved, the executive was categorical in saying that “it will resolve itself,” while refusing to offer any detail on timing or substance.

The Premier League defends the commission’s room for manoeuvre

Asked whether the league should introduce time limits for deliberations or turn to full-time panellists, Masters defended the current framework. He argued that the commission needs the time and space to carry out its work properly, and pointed out that the league’s role as regulator is to present serious allegations before independent bodies.

The executive added that the process should not be judged by how long it takes to establish the truth. The competition’s position is clear: it prefers a considered ruling over a rushed one, even as criticism from legal figures such as De Marco highlights the growing unease within sports law circles over the length of the proceedings.

What this case means for Manchester City and the Premier League

The outcome will have profound consequences for both sides. A severe sanction against City would reshape the narrative of the past decade in English football, a period in which the club has dominated the Premier League with rare consistency and secured its first Champions League title. A full exoneration, on the other hand, would strengthen the team’s position and raise serious questions about the strength of the league’s investigative work.

Meanwhile, the competition operates under a long shadow: the reigning champions carry unresolved charges, and that affects the perception of the league itself. Whatever the final verdict, it will mark a turning point in how the Premier League deals with potential financial irregularities among its clubs.