According to a report by the Daily Express on October 23, 2026, Manchester City’s Premier League rivals are reportedly angry over the possibility that the club’s financial charges case could remain unresolved beyond the end of the current season, raising fears that the reigning champions might avoid punishment for the time being.

Manchester City are appealing the findings in their long-running case involving more than 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. The ongoing dispute has created uncertainty among rival clubs, who are reportedly worried that a lengthy appeal process could have implications for the final league table.

The report states that an independent commission found City guilty of all but one of the charges it examined. The commission concluded that the club had overstated commercial revenues and understated costs by more than £920 million. However, City have contested the findings and continue to challenge the allegations through the ongoing legal process.

The possible punishments remain unclear, with sanctions potentially ranging from a substantial points deduction and a significant financial penalty to relegation in the most serious circumstances. There has also been speculation about whether Manchester City could lose previous Premier League titles, although no such punishment has been officially confirmed.

According to The i, several Premier League clubs are concerned that the appeal process will not be completed during the current campaign.

One source reportedly expressed the frustration among rival clubs, saying: "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."

The lack of a confirmed hearing date has further increased uncertainty surrounding the case. An appeal panel has not yet been assembled to review the matter, leaving clubs unsure about when a final verdict could be delivered.

Premier League rules state that an appeal commission should deliver its decision within 12 weeks. However, the report points out that this requirement was not in place when the original charges were brought against City, potentially introducing another complication into the proceedings.

The appeal commission has the authority to uphold or overturn some or all of the original findings. It can also send specific matters back for further review or order a new commission to examine the case.

Another source reportedly criticised Manchester City for choosing to continue with the appeal instead of pursuing a settlement, stating: "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."

Meanwhile, Manchester City have made a strong start to the new Premier League season, winning all seven of their opening matches. Their impressive run includes a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, which they secured despite being reduced to 10 players.