Revealed: How a Man City legal victory against the Premier League would cost top-flight rivals £5m each as clubs await verdict on FFP case

The protracted case has rumbled on since February 2023 and both sides have accrued significant costs in the process. It is believed that the legal bills for both the Premier League and City could top £100m. If the champions are vindicated, they will almost certainly demand a full recovery of their costs, which would be financed by the 19 other clubs in the league.

Under the competition's rules, costs are taken away from annual proceeds of the league's broadcast and commercial deals. This would be a significant financial blow for many clubs who are struggling to conform with profit and sustainability guidelines. It was initially expected the legal bills for the campaign would be around £8m.

The 130 charges levied against City include allegations of hiding sponsorship revenue, paying ex-manager Roberto Mancini outside of his contract, not giving full details of player wages and failing to assist with investigations on two separate occasions. The harshest penalty for these infringements would be expulsion from the Premier League.

The lawyers will continue to make more and more money. There's little sign that a verdict is due anytime soon; The Times have reported the case will drag on into 2026 earlier this week.