Richard Masters apologises in rare response to Man City’s 115 charges – ‘Rules are clear’

Manchester City have been waiting to discover whether they have been found guilty or not of breaching Premier League financial rules since a hearing concluded at the end of last year

Richard Masters has been pressed on the outcome of the probe into Manchester City(Image: Alex Livesey – Danehouse, Getty Images)

Richard Masters has issued an apology after being questioned about the length of time it will take to decide Manchester City’s fate over their alleged financial rule breaches. City still have 115 charges linked to alleged Premier League financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018 hanging over their heads.

Two-and-a-half years on, the result of the case remains unknown. City have refuted the allegations, asserting they had ‘irrefutable evidence’ to substantiate their innocence. This evidence was not presented until September 2024 during a two-month-long hearing.

The expectation was that once the hearing concluded, the verdict would be swiftly announced. Yet, nearly eight months later, the ruling from an independent panel remains unknown.

During the Premier League Summer Series in the US, a pre-season tournament featuring Manchester United, West Ham, Everton and Bournemouth, Masters appeared on NBC Sports and was probed for an update on the City case. The CEO declined to divulge any specifics.

He said: “You can ask, but our rules are very clear. It’s a confidential process so I really can’t give any information out on timing or anything like that. There is nothing more I can add, so I am sorry about that.”

Richard Masters was pressed for an update on Manchester City’s case(Image: Sky Sports/NBC Sports)

The ongoing saga over the entire case is becoming exasperating for everyone eagerly awaiting the final outcome.

On Wednesday, news emerged that the verdict is expected to be announced in October, most likely during the international break.

Back in January, head coach Pep Guardiola denied City’s busy transfer window had anything to do with any potential future punishment, like a transfer embargo. He said at the time: “I do not agree, but my words will not convince people that our attributes are (not) just being in a wealthy position.

Pep Guardiola wants the case resolved as soon as possible(Image: Getty Images)

“In the last five years, we are the last team in the top six for net-spend. Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Arsenal, Tottenham, even from Liverpool.

“The reason why is we have sold a lot in the last seasons but, even with that, I know (people say about) this club, it is always ‘just about the money.’

“Respect the other ones but in one month I think there will be a verdict and a sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far. Still, at the end, every club can do whatever they want.”

Guardiola’s one-month prediction did not come to pass, although it is hoped that a verdict will finally be disclosed early in the season.