Fresh 115 charges update could hand Man City two major contract boosts

What will Manchester City's critics have to moan about now?

For the last year or two, they have insisted that the Premier League deliver judgement on City's 115 charges instantly. How can they be expected to challenge fairly when that huge asterisk is hanging over the champions of the last four years?

So finally, the update they have been waiting for dropped late on Monday night. A report in the Times suggests the hearing on the alleged financial breaches will take place as soon as next month, with a possible verdict in early 2025. ESPN claim the exact date for the hearing to begin is set for September 16 and a definitive verdict (including potential appeals) will be given by the end of the season.

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The Times article also reports that City's legal challenge against the Premier League regarding Associated Party Transactions could get a resolution in the next fortnight, with some apparent optimism on City's side that their arguments may have landed.

For everyone the idea that there could be an answer on the 115 charges at the start of next year will be a relief. Obviously if City are found guilty of any of the most serious charges that will unlock a whole new set of controversies. Yet knowing where everyone stands can at least move the conversation on after years of tedious back-and-forth and pointless talk of reallocating titles.

It is also an advance on previous reports that the judgement could be delivered next summer. A sped-up timeline on that front allows City's planning for 2025/26 to begin sooner and with far more notice.

Next summer is