No end in sight! Why Man City still face long wait to learn potential punishment in 115-charge FFP case despite verdict nearing - explained

An outcome in the long-running case over more than 115 instances of alleged financial misconduct - all denied by City - is expected in the spring, with an independent panel set to pass judgement more than two years after the club was initially charged. But that may not be the end of the matter because, should City be found guilty to any extent, they then face another long wait to discover what sanctions will be handed down.

According to the Financial Times, it is not the independent panel that will decide their punishment. Instead, that will be another separate process and both the club and the Premier League will have the right to appeal - meaning this could all be dragged out for a very, very long time yet.

Various severe sanctions have been touted should the Citizens be found guilty of the breaches, including huge points deductions, a transfer ban or even expulsion from the English top flight per Premier League rules. Contrastingly, it has recently been reported that the club is confident of being cleared of all wrongdoing and as such they have been operating as normal, shelling out £170 million ($216m) on a number of January transfers.

City are anticipating a verdict in the case in the next two months. They are clearly hopeful that they will be exonerated and that that will be the end of the matter, in what has already been a very difficult season on the pitch. If the club is found guilty of any of the charges, then it could be some time until we learn how they will be punished.