Supporters of every club across the nation should be concerned, we should demand justice, or at least the appearance of it. We should anticipate the announcement of the verdicts on Manchester City’s 115 charges as a significant milestone in modern football.
However, we’re reaching a point where we might not care anymore. Opposition fans no longer chant about the allegations of financial cheating, and Pep Guardiola isn’t questioned about it either. Whether it’s 15 charges, 115 charges, or 1,115 charges, does anyone genuinely care?
The charges were filed back in February 2023, for heaven’s sake. The hearing into these charges lasted 12 weeks and concluded on 6 December 2024.
Yet, there’s still no outcome. Some football finance experts predict a verdict during the next international break, starting on Monday, November 10. But don’t hold your breath.
The charges related to financial rules (excluding the non-cooperation charges) span from 2009 to 2018. Thus, the last time City were alleged to have violated a financial regulation was seven years ago.
Since the charges were filed, City have splashed over £600million in the transfer market. They’ve signed 26 players.
Numerous new contracts have been inked, including one by Erling Haaland, who pledged his future to the club until 2034.
The towering Norwegian doesn’t seem overly worried about any looming legal troubles. In fact, given the current pace of proceedings, his contract might well expire before any verdicts are announced.
Remember, there were whispers that the verdicts would be revealed during the last international break. The crux of the matter is that with each passing day, week, and month, the significance of these charges and their outcomes diminishes.
Of course, we’re in the dark about what the verdicts will be. City could potentially be relegated to the Northern Premier League, they might even have titles stripped, we simply don’t know.
But we can speculate, we can envisage. And after this excruciatingly protracted process, we can guess, we can imagine that the only real victors will be the solicitors.
Let’s face it, no one truly knows, but…
Does anyone see City being relegated?
Does anyone see the Premier League stripping City of their titles?
No and no.
Does anyone predict a big financial penalty?
Does anyone predict a minor points penalty?
Yes and yes.
City are no longer the competition’s leading force. They’re not public enemy number one anymore.
Indeed, last season’s struggles and their endeavours to reclaim the top spot have created a fresh, intriguing Premier League storyline. It’s been fascinating watching Pep wrestle with on-pitch issues.
It’s been a pleasure to witness Haaland in full swing this season. This is not to suggest that City should evade suitable punishment if found guilty on any or all of the 115 counts.
Other clubs have faced penalties, so why shouldn’t City, if they are indeed found guilty?
However, as the wait for a verdict continues, the entire situation has gradually turned into an exceedingly costly farce.