The Premier League’s fiercely contested battle for Champions League qualification faces the looming threat of legal warfare in the coming months, as clubs await the imminent verdict on Manchester City’s 115 charges.

Following the international break and FA Cup quarter-finals, top-flight football resumes on Tuesday, yet the most pressing issue overshadowing the league remains unresolved.

While clubs anticipate a verdict “imminently,” the process remains cloaked in secrecy. Last week’s Premier League shareholders' meeting provided no clarity, and chief executive Richard Masters declined to comment on the case during recent media engagements.

However, there is a widespread expectation within the footballing world that a decision will be reached before the season’s conclusion. This raises the possibility of a scenario where a guilty verdict—potentially accompanied by a substantial points deduction—could significantly alter the race for the top five, as well as the relegation battle.

The situation is further complicated by the likelihood of a prolonged appeal process following the commission’s ruling. Such an appeal could take months to resolve, with reports even suggesting a scenario in which Manchester City could be competing in next season’s Champions League while their appeal remains ongoing.

Premier League Faces Legal Turmoil

Legal experts warn that the Premier League finds itself in an unprecedented situation. Some believe the league could face a surge in litigation if Manchester City are found guilty, with legal fees potentially running into nine figures.

Carlos Hurtado, a sports lawyer at Baker McKenzie, has described the threat of multiple compensation claims against City as “real and serious.” He points to an upcoming case involving Burnley and Everton as a key precedent.

Burnley are seeking compensation for lost revenue following their relegation in a season when Everton were found to have breached the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs). While the claim appears to have merit, Hurtado acknowledges it will be difficult to prove.

Manchester City, for their part, have consistently maintained their innocence regarding all 115 charges. Meanwhile, rival clubs have begun assessing their potential responses should a guilty verdict be delivered.

Kieran Maguire, a respected football finance expert, explains: “For everyone in the Premier League, it is just a waiting game at this stage. However, retrospective compensation is a serious consideration.”

Could This Lead to a Landmark Legal Battle?

From a sporting perspective, the coming weeks are set to be fascinating. While the title race and relegation battle appear relatively settled, the contest for Champions League qualification remains fiercely competitive, with just five points separating fourth-placed Chelsea from 10th-placed Bournemouth.

However, the final league table could be left with a significant asterisk—if legal claims running into tens of millions of pounds follow.

This would not be without precedent. In 2009, Sheffield United successfully sued West Ham after the Hammers breached Premier League rules over the signing of Carlos Tevez. That case resulted in a fine but no points deduction, leading to a legal battle that ultimately saw Sheffield United awarded compensation.

Similarly, Derby County reached out-of-court settlements with Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers over breaches of EFL financial fair play regulations, which those clubs argued had influenced their promotion and relegation fates.

Perhaps the most relevant comparison, however, is Burnley’s forthcoming case against Everton over PSR breaches. Burnley argue that Everton’s rule-breaking directly impacted their relegation battle, and their case will be heard this summer by an independent commission. Premier League clubs are watching closely, as a ruling in Burnley’s favour could set a precedent for future claims.

Why Does Burnley’s Case Against Everton Matter?

If Burnley succeed in their claim, legal experts believe it could open a Pandora’s box within football.

Beyond clubs suing one another, disgruntled parties could take legal action against the Premier League itself over its enforcement of regulations. Players, too, could explore claims if they can prove that relegation—caused by another club’s rule-breaking—led to a reduction in their salaries.

More immediately, the outcome of Burnley’s case could provide a legal framework for clubs that missed out on European qualification or domestic titles during Manchester City’s period of dominance to pursue compensation.

Hurtado explains: “If Burnley’s case succeeds, it could serve as a precedent for clubs seeking action against Manchester City should they be found guilty of the multiple charges. Any teams that believe they were disadvantaged by City’s alleged rule breaches may have a case for compensation.”

“Just as relegation impacts club revenues, failing to qualify for European competitions due to an unfair sporting advantage can have financial consequences. If Manchester City are found guilty, potential claims would likely centre on lost revenue and missed opportunities as a direct result of their breaches of sustainability rules.”

What Is the Latest on the City Case?

A verdict is expected at any moment. While City’s actions—such as extending Pep Guardiola’s contract and spending heavily in the January transfer window—suggest confidence, the reality is that few within the game know what to expect.

Maguire shares his frustration: “I’ve been told multiple times to be on standby because ‘something is coming today.’”

“A senior figure I spoke to recently said, ‘Everybody will be blindsided when the verdict is announced.’ He believes the process is being kept extremely confidential, so anyone claiming to have inside knowledge is likely misinformed.”

There have been suggestions that the commission could deliver its ruling in two stages: first, a detailed judgment explaining the verdict, followed later by confirmation of any sanctions. Such a delay would only add to the uncertainty surrounding the final Premier League standings.

Maguire warns: “We could end up in the bizarre situation where the ruling is issued, but the punishment is delayed. That would be an extraordinary scenario.”

As the season reaches its climax, the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City’s case leaves the Premier League on the brink of uncharted territory.