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Premier League clubs reportedly fear that Manchester City's appeal process could drag well beyond the current season. City have refused to reach a settlement with the top-flight, which would have drawn a line under the saga, and have instead chosen to lodge an appeal. Of the 100-plus charges relating to breaches of the division's financial regulations, City were found guilty on all but one. An independent commission ruled they had inflated commercial revenues and reduced costs by more than £920m, though the club are arguing that the United Arab Emirates government was responsible for certain deals, rather than the club's owners.
The extent of any punishment remains unclear, with a substantial points deduction — potentially enough to guarantee relegation — and a considerable fine both possible. There has been speculation regarding title stripping, yet no formal announcement has been made.
Nevertheless, Premier League clubs have shared concerns that the club will escape punishment during this campaign. There is also a continuing fear that City may contest any sanctions imposed and delay proceedings indefinitely, prolonging the affair well beyond this year and into the next.
According to The i, a source said: "The talk among clubs is that nobody can see it getting sorted out this season. That's a massive problem because nobody is sure what they are playing for and whether or not the final positions will stand."
A date for the appeal hearing remains unconfirmed, with a panel yet to be assembled to examine the evidence. Premier League regulations state that the appeal commission must deliver a verdict within 12 weeks; however, this requirement was not in effect when the charges were brought.
This represents an area City may seek to contest, potentially prolonging the matter further. The appeal panel has the authority to review the commission's ruling, the evidence, documentation and witness testimony transcripts.
It would be uncommon for witnesses to face further questioning, which distinguishes the procedure from a complete rehearing. The appeal commission has the capacity to reverse some or all of the conclusions and send issues back for additional consideration.
They may also confirm all of the determinations or even direct the case to a fresh commission for a retrial. Should the appeal prove unsuccessful for City, they might even be prepared to pursue their case beyond sporting regulatory authorities.
Another source said: "City don't appear to accept any guilt. Logically, you would think that having been found guilty on so many charges, they would look for some sort of settlement.
"But that doesn't seem possible at the moment. Everybody is just waiting for the punishment and that is no good for the league or the clubs."
Rival clubs are said to be furious that any punishment could take place beyond the current season.
City have enjoyed an impeccable start to the new Premier League campaign. They have secured victory in all seven of their fixtures, including recording a 1-0 away win over Manchester United despite being reduced to 10 men.
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