A Deadline, Not a Resolution
Manchester City have been found guilty of more than 100 of the financial fair play charges brought against them, among others. No punishment has yet been handed down. The Premier League is giving the club until 2 October to appeal the finding of guilt.
The league issued a statement on Tuesday. It is fairly long. That, in itself, tells you plenty about the mood.
The Abu Dhabi United Group took over almost 20 years ago. Two decades on, the club's ownership era has arrived at its most consequential juncture.
City have until 2 October to lodge an appeal. After that, there is no known timeline for when the appeal will be heard. No date. No indication of how long the process might run. The deadline is fixed; everything beyond it is not.
For now, the club and its supporters are left with a finding, no sanction, and a fast-approaching cut-off point. What happens next is, for the moment, an open question.