What's going on with Premier League's 115 charges against Man City? - ESPN

ESPN

by Gabriele Marcotti

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Premier League's investigation into Manchester City, which began in 2018 following the "Football Leaks" scandal, has been shrouded in secrecy and delays. Over three years after the charges were announced, the case remains unresolved despite involving a complex web of alleged financial wrongdoing, including false accounting and non-cooperation with investigators. City has denied all allegations, but if found guilty, they could face severe sanctions such as fines, points deductions, or even expulsion from the Premier League. The case gained attention in February 2023 when the Premier League announced 115 charges against City, though some reports suggest the number of actual rule breaches may overlap. The hearings concluded in December 2024, but the verdict has been delayed. Legal experts speculate that the complexity and scale of the case are contributing factors, with one lawyer noting the delay is unusual for similar commercial disputes. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, as details about the investigation and its proceedings have been kept confidential due to Premier League rules and British legal safeguards. For instance, the start of the investigation in 2018 was only confirmed publicly in 2021 after a court ruling forced City to disclose documents. The hearings themselves were held behind closed doors at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, with no official updates since their conclusion. The delay has raised questions about the efficiency of the Premier League's disciplinary process and the need for transparency in high-stakes cases involving financial integrity. Sports fans and stakeholders are closely watching this case, as its outcome could set a precedent for how leagues address financial wrongdoing and enforce regulations. The prolonged uncertainty also highlights the challenges of balancing confidentiality with accountability in complex legal matters. Ultimately, the resolution of this case will have significant implications not only for Manchester City but for the broader football industry. It

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026