'Tie it up in the law courts' - Man City's rivals told not to expect FFP verdict 'any time soon' as former defender explains why case will 'carry on and on'

There have been at least 115 charges hanging over the Etihad Stadium since February 2023. If guilty verdicts were to be delivered in any of those, then suitable punishments should be expected.

It has been claimed, throughout a lengthy saga, that City could be stung with sanctions ranging from points deductions to transfer embargoes or complete expulsion from the English top-flight. Such drastic measures are now considered to be unlikely.

The latest update, in the wake of an independent hearing being completed late in 2024, has suggested that a verdict could be delivered during the October international break of the upcoming campaign. Even that may be wishful thinking.

Ex-City player and manager Stuart Pearce is not convinced that an end is in sight, with any appeals needing to be factored into the equation. Speaking in association with 888sport, the former England captain told GOAL: “I don’t know how it’s going to pan out. I think it will rumble and rumble and rumble and it will be in the law courts for a long time.

“I don’t think there will be any outcome any time soon. That’s how I see it. It’s rumbled on already for a long time. I think Manchester City will tie it up in the law courts and it will just carry on and on. From a personal point of view, I don’t like seeing football outside the forum of the football pitch. Hopefully it will resolve itself.”

City, who have always maintained their innocence, have been spending big again in the summer transfer window. Having missed out on major honours last season, Pearce said when asked if he thinks the Blues will be the team to beat again in 2025-26: “No, I don’t. I think Liverpool and maybe even Chelsea might be the two. Chelsea have matured a little bit, they had a good summer and should hit the ground running and start the season a bit lively. I see Liverpool being the team to beat again.”

City do not appear to be overly concerned by their protracted Financial Fair Play case, with Pep Guardiola hoping that off-field distractions can be avoided as he seeks to get a star-studded squad back on the trophy trail.