UK sent warning over Man City 115 charges verdict amid Premier League investigation

Manchester City's 115 charges case could have a political impact on the United Kingdom, according to a new report.

City were accused of 115 breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period by the Premier League in February 2023 and a three-month hearing looking at the case was concluded in December 2024.

A three-person Independent Commission panel heard arguments from both sets of lawyers, but there has been no sign of an outcome more than 18 months later.

In the meantime, City have continued to splash the cash on new recruits, as well as netting a 10-year, £1 billion deal with kit manufacturers Puma and unveiling a brand new stand named after legendary manager Pep Guardiola.

There have been whispers about when the verdict would be made public, but the legal case, the biggest in Premier League history, has been rumbling on without any official announcement.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, citing two people close to the matter, "United Arab Emirates officials caution that a negative outcome could damage improved relations with the UK".

City are owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who purchased the club on transfer deadline day in August 2008 and invested billions into the club.

READ MORE: Premier League chief makes honest admission over Man City's 115 charges

The 55-year-old is the vice president of the UAE, with his brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as president.

He recently shared a phone call with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who served as mayor of Manchester for nine years.

What are the 115 charges Man City are facing?

• Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18 - 54 alleged breaches
• Failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to February 2023 - 35 alleged breaches
• Failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18 - 14 alleged breaches
• Breaches of Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations from 2015/16 to and including 2017/18 - Seven alleged breaches
• Failure to comply with UEFA's regulations, including UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations - Five alleged breaches

The UAE has spent billions on renovating part of Manchester with the City Football Academy facility and are understood to have mentioned the charges and potential impact in discussions with the UK government last year.

Burnham, an Everton fan, said he would "support Manchester City in securing fair and consistent treatment, and transparent treatment in 2024.

Throughout the process, City have strenuously denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence that they would be found innocent - stating they have "irrefutable evidence".

If found guilty, potential punishments include hefty point deductions, fines and even expulsion from the Premier League.

The lengthy delay has frustrated all parties, with Premier League chief Richard Masters even expressing his discontent about how long the process has taken as he admitted to being unable to provide a significant update.

“Our rules are very clear about that – I have to keep everything confidential until we’re ready to hand down a decision and be clear about it. I can’t give any update on timing or what’s happening," Masters told Sky News.

“There’s only one available route through this, which is to allow the process to take its course.

“It has taken longer than expected, and I do understand the frustrations.”

New manager Enzo Maresca was asked about the charges in his first press conference and said, “I don’t have any concerns personally".