Premier League Urges Patience in Manchester City Legal Probe

London, Aug 14 (AP) The Premier League's chief executive urged for patience as the ongoing major legal case concerning Manchester City extends into the new season.

In February 2023, the league charged Manchester City with over 100 financial violations, including providing false information about its income sources. Despite an independent commission reviewing the case between September and December of the previous year, no verdict has been delivered yet.

The consequences could be severe, potentially leading to City's expulsion from the league. Manchester City has consistently denied the charges.

This matter looms over the outset of another Premier League season, with the 2025-26 campaign kicking off on Friday. Richard Masters, the league's chief executive, emphasized the league's lack of influence over the timeline of proceedings.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Masters was questioned why the league couldn't expedite the process. “I can't answer that specific question. All I can tell you about is the system and how it works,” he responded.

Explaining further, Masters stated, “It's an independent judiciary, essentially. Once the charges are brought forward, they go before an independent panel chosen without influence. This panel oversees the process and timing, hears the case, and decides the outcome independently. We have no control over that process. That's crucial from an independence standpoint."

He admitted, “My frustration is irrelevant. I just have to wait. Legal processes rarely take less time than anticipated, but we must be patient.”

Considering Premier League Matches Abroad

Recently, the Spanish league sanctioned a match between Villarreal and Barcelona to be staged in the United States this December. Masters was asked if the Premier League harbored similar interests.

Masters indicated that the necessity had diminished. "We previously considered a '39th game' with significant debate, dating back to 2008. Our aim then was global expansion of the Premier League," he recalled.

"We've managed that through various alternatives, such as impactful broadcasting partnerships, embracing digital technology, and initiatives like the Summer Series tournament in the U.S. Now, the Premier League is genuinely global. Billions will tune in over the coming nine months. We've achieved our goal and thus that need has faded,” Masters concluded. (AP) AM AM AM

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