A former Liverpool executive has spoken about what he called a growing “conspiracy theory” surrounding Manchester City’s ongoing case over 115 alleged financial breaches.
City were charged by the Premier League in February 2023, yet more than three years on, no official ruling has been delivered. A 10-week hearing began in September 2024 and concluded in December, with the verdict from the three-member Independent Commission expected shortly afterward. However, the decision has been repeatedly delayed.
Despite the uncertainty, City have continued business as usual — signing new players and securing major commercial agreements. In February last year, Pep Guardiola said he expected the outcome within a month, but that timeline passed without any update. More recently, in January, The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reported that, according to sources, progress might not come for “at least another year.”
No formal explanation has been offered for the hold-up. Appearing on The Football Boardroom podcast, hosted by Henry Winter, former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow addressed claims suggesting political interference, firmly dismissing them as baseless.
Purslow said: “We’ve waited all of 2025 and into early 2026 for this written ruling, and we’re still waiting. That doesn’t mean the Premier League is dragging its feet. They’re more like the police — they don’t influence the judges. And the idea that politicians are somehow involved is pure nonsense.
“Yes, leaders of major organisations often speak with government figures, but there’s never been any suggestion in this country that the judiciary is politically manipulated.”
Winter pointed out that some believe City could avoid punishment if found guilty because it wouldn’t suit the country’s wider interests. Purslow strongly rejected that idea, saying: “That’s complete conspiracy talk. The process is a black box — no one inside football, not the Premier League, Manchester City, or even the government, knows what’s happening. It’s like a papal conclave: nobody knows what’s going on behind closed doors or when a decision will emerge.”
The Premier League’s charges against City include:
54 counts of failing to provide accurate financial information (2009/10–2017/18)
35 counts of failing to cooperate with investigations (Dec 2018–Feb 2023)
14 counts related to inaccurate reporting of player and manager pay
Seven breaches of profitability and sustainability rules
Five breaches of UEFA regulations
In their 2024/25 financial report, City confirmed the case remains under review by the commission. Speaking to Football Insider, former City financial adviser Stefan Borson described the delay as “largely inexplicable.”
Purslow urged patience, stressing that the process should be left to legal experts, while noting that precedent suggests any proven wrongdoing would likely result in significant sporting penalties, including major points deductions.
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