Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Man City’s 115-charge FFP case as verdict delay branded ‘inexplicable’

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has addressed the club’s long-running Financial Fair Play case, insisting he has no concerns despite the continued uncertainty surrounding the Premier League’s 115 alleged rule breaches.

With the new season approaching, the Italian was asked about the investigation that has overshadowed the club for several years, but he dismissed suggestions it is affecting preparations on or off the pitch.

Maresca unfazed by ongoing investigation

Speaking during his first major press conference as Manchester City manager, Maresca remained relaxed when discussing the case, which relates to alleged Financial Fair Play breaches between 2009 and 2018.

Having previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant during City’s historic Treble-winning campaign, Maresca pointed out that similar questions have surrounded the club for years without any resolution.

“The only thing I can say is three years ago, the Treble season, I was here as Guardiola’s assistant, and it was the same words about this,” Maresca said.

“In three years, it’s still the same. Nothing has happened. I don’t have any concerns personally.”

Finance expert questions lengthy delay

Football finance expert Stefan Borson has expressed growing frustration over the absence of a verdict despite the disciplinary hearing concluding in December 2024.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Borson described the prolonged wait as highly unusual and difficult to justify.

“The general feeling around the industry is that there’s been no decision yet, as remarkable as that is. Nineteen months on, almost twenty months on, there’s still no decision.

“Totally unacceptable, of course, beyond all of the parties’ expectations about when they would receive a decision. Broadly inexplicable by any sporting norms in these sorts of matters.”

Borson also highlighted delays in other football disciplinary cases, including Chelsea’s FA proceedings, suggesting the overall process has become significantly slower than expected.

City’s transfer business signals confidence

If Manchester City are ultimately found guilty, potential punishments could range from substantial financial fines and transfer restrictions to significant points deductions.

However, Borson believes City’s actions during the transfer window suggest the club remains confident of successfully defending itself.

The Premier League champions recently completed the club-record signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, a move Borson believes reflects internal confidence.

“Every signal that the club has given in terms of its spending and putting its money where its mouth is suggests that they feel they’ve won,” he explained.

“It’s more likely that City will prevail given their behaviour and given the fact that what’s alleged is inherently unlikely.

“But of course, if they’ve done it, the punishment will be extremely severe, and this won’t be about transfer bans or things around the edges.”

Verdict still awaited

Despite repeated speculation over when the independent commission will deliver its findings, there remains no official timetable for the outcome.

Until a verdict is announced, the uncertainty surrounding one of the biggest legal cases in Premier League history is set to continue, even as Manchester City prepare for another title challenge under Maresca.

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