Bernstein calls for Manchester City verdict as £440m spending intensifies pressure on Premier League

David Bernstein, the former Manchester City chairman, has criticised the continuing delay in the club’s hearing over 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, saying the club’s £440m spending during the summer transfer window “makes a mockery” of the competition’s regulatory system.

Bernstein, who led Manchester City from 1998 to 2003 and served as chairman of the Football Association between 2011 and 2013, questioned why the case has still not reached a conclusion and challenged the way the Premier League has handled the proceedings.

The charges were brought against Manchester City in February 2023. The independent hearing lasted 12 weeks and concluded in December 2024, but the commission has yet to publish its verdict. The complexity of the case has been cited as a reason for the delay.

Manchester City strongly deny all of the allegations. The outcome could clear the club or lead to what would be historic sanctions if the charges are upheld.

Bernstein, 83, has become the latest prominent figure to express concern about the time being taken to resolve the case. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously acknowledged that the verdict has “taken longer than was expected”.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Bernstein said: “That they should do this (spending in the market) against the background of the 115 charges is extraordinary, and makes a mockery of the regulation in England’s top league, which is supposed to be the best-run in the world.”

He added: “Why did the league decide to pursue all 115 charges? That is a mystery to me. Common sense (which is often in short supply) would have dictated simplifying the process by taking a handful of the biggest and clearest cases and pursuing them as test cases.

“Delayed justice is justice denied, and the longer this process continues the more complex its implications and challenges become.”

The Premier League case concerns alleged breaches of the competition’s financial regulations. Manchester City have consistently rejected the accusations and maintain their position that they have not committed the offences alleged against them.

The absence of a verdict means the club’s potential punishment, if any, remains unknown. Possible outcomes range from exoneration to severe disciplinary action, although no final decision has yet been made by the independent commission.

Manchester City currently lead the Premier League after taking maximum points from their opening three matches. Their latest result was a 1-0 victory against newly promoted Coventry on Saturday.

The club’s spending has therefore continued to attract attention while the legal process remains unresolved, with Bernstein arguing that the combination of major transfer investment and the outstanding charges has damaged confidence in the league’s governance.

The case has already generated wider debate about the speed and structure of Premier League disciplinary procedures. Bernstein’s criticism adds to those concerns at a time when the commission’s decision is still awaited, months after the conclusion of the hearing.