Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says Manchester City's 115 financial charges saga is not top of the list in discussions with top-flight clubs.
Speaking ahead of the start of the new season, Masters revealed that boardroom conversations across the league are focused on broader commercial and operational matters rather than the ongoing case against the reigning champions.
The trial into City's alleged repeated breaches of top-flight financial controls concluded in December 2024. However, an eagerly awaited verdict remains outstanding, well over three years after the league first charged the club following a lengthy investigation into its financial reporting.
Four Premier League clubs have reserved the right to seek compensation should Manchester City be found guilty by the independent commission. Financial regulations in English football allow rival clubs to pursue financial damages if rule breaches are proven to have impacted league standings and European qualification.
City deny all wrongdoing in the case. The independent panel holding the hearing has the power to issue sanctions ranging from financial fines to significant point deductions or expulsion from the division if charges are proven.
Despite intense media attention and concern among rival supporters, Masters suggested that club chairmen and executives are not dwelling on the case during official meetings.
"I obviously speak to clubs all the time," Masters said. "It's not necessarily a topic of conversation that is top of the list. Lots of other things to talk about and do. The Premier League moves on. It's starting again on Friday evening."
Independent panel process and timeline
Masters, who has served as Premier League chief executive since 2019, previously admitted to feeling frustrated by how long the independent panel is taking to return its verdict. Under Premier League governance rules, the league executive operates independently of judicial panels and cannot influence the timing or outcome of hearings.
"The process is the process," Masters said. "It will resolve itself. But as you know, I literally can't say a thing about it. There's only one available option, which is to allow the process to reach its natural conclusion."
He added: "I can't talk about the substance of the case. I can't talk about the timing of the case. Our rules are very clear about that. I understand that people are frustrated but it will take as long as it takes."
Manchester City have been the dominant force in English football over the past decade, winning multiple Premier League titles under manager Pep Guardiola. The league's financial regulations, known as Profitability and Sustainability Rules, were introduced to prevent clubs from incurring unsustainable losses and to ensure fair competition across the English top flight.
Broadcast revenue and league litigation
The unresolved case comes amid wider scrutiny of Premier League finances. The league's latest domestic broadcast deal saw the average amount paid per match fall by around £2.5m, prompting questions over whether ongoing legal disputes are beginning to impact fan engagement and commercial value.
Legal proceedings have become increasingly prominent in top-flight football in recent seasons. Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City have all faced point deductions after being found in breach of financial sustainability thresholds, leading to significant disruption in the league table.
Questions were also raised regarding a perceived lenient penalty handed to Chelsea, who received a £10m fine for repeated backhanders. Critics questioned whether the decision indicated a desire by football authorities to move away from points deductions in favor of financial penalties.
Masters firmly rejected the idea that legal enforcement policies were changing or that litigation was linked to broadcasting values.
"I don't think litigation and broadcast deals are necessarily associated," Masters said. "I do think litigation is to be avoided. It should be a last resort within a league system or generally. I think that is generally the attitude that is taken by stakeholders in the game. Litigation is a last resort."
