Arsenal boss calls for quick answers on Man City issues

Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick says everyone in the Premier League wants clear answers and a fast end to the case involving Manchester City. This case includes over 100 alleged violations of the league’s financial rules.

The independent commission dealing with the case has not yet shared its decision. This is more than 18 months after the hearing wrapped up and about three and a half years since Manchester City were first charged.

City has always denied any wrongdoing.

Garlick spoke before the new Premier League season, as reported by BBC on Wednesday. He admitted that the long process has caused frustration. But he highlighted that the outcome is out of Arsenal's hands.

“It has gone on for a while. Everybody, the league and the teams, would want the clarity around what’s going to happen next.

“But it’s not something that I can control. It’s not something that I can speculate on.

“And I just hope that there is a solution very quickly,” he said.

His remarks come after Premier League chief executive Richard Masters also said that the case is taking longer than expected.

“I do accept it’s taking longer than expected, and I understand that people want to find out as soon as possible what’s going on, but I simply can’t provide that,” Masters said.

Masters called the case “hugely complex.” He insisted that the Premier League must let the independent process finish its work.

“Our rules are very clear, we have to follow the process, and there’s only one real clear route through, which is to allow that process to reach its natural conclusion,” he said.

The delay is worrying for many Premier League clubs. Still, officials understand that the independent commission is working on its own schedule.

One source from a club suggested that the Premier League should be “actively seeking to put in place a better system” to make sure future disciplinary cases are settled faster.

There are also rising worries about the financial burden of long legal fights. The Premier League spent £45m on legal fees during the 2023-24 season, mostly in matters related to its financial rules.

For now, clubs must wait for the independent commission’s decision. Garlick is among those hoping the long-running Manchester City case can finally come to an end.