Warning issued over Manchester City’s 115 charges verdict as decision now imminent | OneFootball

Pundits at Sky Sports have been warned by the broadcaster over their reaction and subsequent comments concerning the verdict on Manchester City’s elusive 115 charges.

The latest development comes after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola told a press conference in early February that the club expects to learn the outcome of the hearing “in one month”.

It has been widely confirmed that the hearing concerning Manchester City’s alleged breaches of the top-flights financial rules took place in front of an independent commission between September and December 2024.

Reports covering the unprecedented legal battle have also speculated that if the Etihad Stadium club – who continue to strongly deny the charges placed on them – are found guilty, punishments could include significant points deductions or even relegation.

Back in September 2024 around the start of the hearing, Pep Guardiola remarkably suggested that Manchester City’s critics wanted the reigning four-in-a-row Premier League champions “wiped from the face of the Earth”.

And having recently told reporters of his belief of a verdict coming “in one month”, one of the Premier League’s primary broadcasters and sports biggest providers has issued a stern warning to its reporters and pundits.

That is according to the information of MailSport’s Mike Keegan, who reveals that Sky Sports have urged pundits not to ‘make snap judgements’ and to ‘stick to the facts’ before commenting on the verdict surrounding City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.

It is revealed that Sky officials have also shared a ‘factfile’ on the long-running case, also warning that both the Premier League and City may claim victory regardless of the outcome, while any verdict and potential punishment could be subject to appeal.

The report explains that the move from Sky Sports is aimed at ensuring that the broadcaster is ‘accurate, fair and balanced’ in its reporting and ‘avoids any controversy’, with a verdict now expected ‘within the next month or so’.

The Premier League first charged Manchester City following a four-year investigation back in February 2023, further accusing the club of not co-operating since the process of investigation started in December 2018.

In direct response to the matter at the time, City said they were both “surprised” by the charges and are also supported by a “body of irrefutable evidence”.

A full statement from the club at the time read, “Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

Since that first development, Manchester City have continuously stood by their statement and continued their business both on and off the pitch as normal, crucially investing high-level sums into the club’s infrastructure and Pep Guardiola’s playing squad.