Manchester City's long-awaited Financial Fair Play verdict is likely to arrive shortly after the current season concludes, according to football finance expert Stefan Borson. The independent commission hearing, which stretched across six weeks in late 2024, has left fans and analysts waiting nearly three years since the Premier League first referred the club over 115 alleged breaches.
The investigation centres on City's conduct between 2009 and 2018, with the probe initially launched in 2020. Borson, a former advisor to the club, told Football Insider that the delay stems from straightforward administrative reasons rather than conspiracy or negotiation. "It's all actually very vanilla," he explained. "The original panel just simply hasn't finished writing it up." He emphasised there is "no special reason" for the prolonged timeline—no illness among panellists, no government intervention, and no behind-the-scenes dealings.
Potential Consequences at Stake
If found guilty on all charges, Manchester City could face severe penalties including:
- Substantial financial fines
- Points deduction in the Premier League
- Transfer restrictions or ban
- Potential expulsion from top-flight competition
Yet Pep Guardiola's side have maintained their innocence throughout and continued competing at elite level, winning multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups during the investigation. Borson's insight suggests the commission is in its final drafting stages, meaning a resolution appears imminent after months of speculation about timelines.
The verdict announcement will bring closure to a saga that has dominated English football discourse since early 2022, with implications that could reshape competitive balance across the Premier League and European competitions.
