Manchester City's former financial advisor has delivered a significant update on when the club can expect to learn the outcome of their 115 Premier League charges.
City were accused in February 2023 of breaching 115 financial regulations across a nine-year spell between 2009 and 2018.
An independent three-person commission was established to hear evidence from both sets of lawyers, with the 12-week hearing concluding in the autumn of 2023.
City have always strenuously denied the charges and remain "totally confident" of being cleared.
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A decision had initially been expected earlier this year, but nearly 12 months has now passed since the hearing ended without an announcement.
Stefan Borson, who previously worked as an advisor to Manchester City, has now revealed he still believes a verdict could be reached before Christmas.
He told talkSPORT: "I think Simon thinks it's going to come out next year, I think it still could come out before Christmas.
"The decision has been imminent for quite some time, there's not a lot that they can do. It doesn't take that long."
Borson insisted that neither the Premier League nor City are to blame for the delay.
Instead, he criticised the three-person panel responsible for delivering the verdict.
He continued: "Well, look, nobody knows because even the parties themselves expected to have been told by now.
"All the lawyers are surprised there is no decision at this stage, and that's on both sides.
"I'll tell you who's holding it up - the panel making the decision. They hold the pen. They are the people who everybody waits for to deliver the decision."
Although City were initially charged with 115 alleged breaches, that number was later increased to 134.
There has been widespread speculation over the type of punishment City could face if they are found guilty.
Possible punishments include: unlimited fines, points deductions, expulsion from the league and payment of compensation to another person or club.
However, legal experts at Norton Rose Fulbright suggested that the Premier League are likely to avoid the most severe punishments and take a 'pragmatic' approach.
Both Manchester City and the Premier League would have the right to appeal, although Norton Rose Fulbright stated it is "overwhelming likely" to be the final decision.
Under the Arbitration Act 1996, there are only limited circumstances that would allow for an appeal.
If City were found guilty, it is possible that other clubs could attempt to pursue financial compensation, but launching a successful claim is believed to be legally challenging.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
James Taylor