'We have to be patient' - Premier League CEO admits 'frustration' over Man City's 115 charges

Premier League CEO Richard Masters defended the process against Manchester City from critics who believe the disciplinary case, in which the club is being investigated for 115 alleged financial breaches, is moving too slowly.

Speaking at an event in Liverpool, he stated that once charges are brought, the case is handed over to an independent commission which operates autonomously.

"Essentially, it's an independent judicial system. They are then in charge of the process and its timeline. They will look at the case, make a decision and we have no influence over that," Masters commented as per Reuters.

"My frustration is irrelevant, we just have to be patient. Legal cases rarely take less time than you expect," he added.

Masters also addressed speculation about Premier League matches being played abroad, following the Spanish Football Federation's approval of a plan for a Villarreal vs. Barcelona match to be played in Miami.

However, he stated this idea isn't currently on the agenda.

"I think there's still a long way to go before it's clear whether the Spanish match will actually be played abroad," he asserted.

Masters responded to concerns regarding the competitiveness of newly promoted Premier League clubs, after last season saw all three promoted sides — Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton — relegated.

The same occurred the previous year with Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United. He did, however, highlight the successes of Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Fulham.

Manchester City is facing an unprecedented 115 charges from the Premier League, which were formally filed in February 2023.

These charges allege a range of breaches of the league's financial regulations over a nine-year period, spanning from the 2009-10 season to the 2017-18 season.

The club has consistently and vigorously denied any wrongdoing since the allegations first surfaced.

The most significant group of charges relates to the club's alleged failure to provide a "true and fair view" of its financial position.

This includes accusations of inflating sponsorship deals and other revenue streams, particularly from companies with links to the club's ownership, in order to comply with financial fair play rules.

Additionally, the club is accused of not fully disclosing the remuneration packages for certain managers and players, with suggestions of hidden contracts and payments made through third parties.

A substantial number of the charges also stem from the club's purported failure to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation into these matters, which began in late 2018.

The case was heard by an independent commission, and while a verdict was anticipated earlier in 2025, it has been delayed.

If the club is found guilty, the range of potential punishments is severe.

The independent commission has the authority to impose any sanction it deems appropriate under Premier League rules.

Among the possible penalties are significant monetary fines and, most notably, points deductions.

Speculation around this punishment has ranged from a minor deduction to one so severe it could result in relegation.

While stripping the club of past titles is not a specific power of the commission, a severe retrospective points deduction could have this effect.

The most extreme, albeit unlikely, punishment is expulsion from the Premier League.

If the commission were to find Manchester City guilty of the charges, either the club or the Premier League would have the right to appeal the decision, which would then be heard by a new three-person commission.