'Eye-watering' cost of 115 FFP charges case against Man City revealed with Premier League chiefs 'increasingly concerned'

Manchester City were charged by the Premier League over 115 alleged breaches of financial rules in February 2023. The long-running saga is yet to be resolved and there has been criticism of the length of time the process is taking to reach a verdict. Fears are also growing that the legal costs from cases involving Manchester City and Chelsea are spiralling out of control and already top £200 million ($266m), according to The Times.

Elite lawyers are known to charge thousands of pounds an hour for their services, leading to potentially huge legal bills for the Premier League and their clubs. The Premier League has also been embroiled in a legal battle this year with Manchester City over Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.

An unnamed club chief told The Times: "The sums involved are eye-watering. And the money that is going to the lawyers is money that could have gone to the clubs."

Other clubs have also faced legal action recently. Nottingham Forest and Everton have both been involved in cases with the Premier League after being accused of breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Manchester City are still awaiting a verdict on their 115 charges case which may not now arrive until October. The Cityzens are due to kick off their new Premier League campaign on August 16 against Wolves.