Premier League will 'survive' impact of Man City legal battle as CEO Richard Masters confident of weathering the storm amid resignation calls

City face more than 115 charges related to alleged breaches of financial regulations. The case, which has been dragging on for over two years, is expected to reach a critical verdict this spring, with an independent panel set to determine whether the club has broken the rules.

An anonymous three-person panel has been tasked with overseeing the case, with their identities deliberately concealed—likely to protect them from public harassment and online abuse. However, even if a decision is reached soon, the saga is far from over.

If City are found guilty, the panel will not be responsible for determining the punishment. Instead, a separate process will be required to assess potential sanctions. Both Manchester City and the Premier League will have the right to appeal the ruling, extending the legal battle further.

With such an intense case looming over the league, questions have been raised about the potential damage to the Premier League’s reputation. However, Masters remains adamant the league will emerge unscathed.

“There is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules," he told the Financial Times. "The Premier League will survive the impact of all of this and come through it.”

Throughout the case, Masters has faced heavy criticism from fans. Football supporters regularly vent their frustrations online and via radio discussions. Even Oasis-famed Noel Gallagher, a well-known Manchester City supporter, has publicly called for his resignation. Addressing the intense scrutiny, Masters acknowledged the challenges, saying, “The flipside of the popularity of the Premier League . . . is that it’s heavily scrutinised and everyone has a view. You just have to accept it. I don’t enjoy it. You just have to let it pass through you and move on.”

If City are found guilty of the charges, several severe consequences have been discussed, ranging from major points deductions to transfer bans and even expulsion from the Premier League under the league’s regulations. However, City remain optimistic about being cleared as they have consistently denied all accusations.