Former chairman Bernstein criticizes Manchester City over record transfer spending

Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein criticized the club's recent transfer spending, describing a £440 million summer outlay as a mockery of existing financial regulations. His comments follow 115 charges brought against the club by the Premier League in February 2023 for alleged financial rule breaches. An independent commission held a 12-week hearing regarding these charges that concluded in December 2024, yet a final verdict remains pending. The club denies all allegations while Premier League chief executive Richard Masters acknowledged the proceedings have taken longer than initially expected. Bernstein argued that the league should have simplified the legal process by focusing on fewer, specific test cases rather than pursuing all 115 charges simultaneously. The independent panel continues to review the case with no firm timeline announced for a decision.

• 4:48 PMYahoo Sports — Manchester City's $595M spending spree 'makes a mockery' of 115 Premier League charges, says ex-boss