Manchester City may not learn the decision of their legal dispute with Premier League until the end of next season.
The champions are accused of breaching 115 regulations over 14 seasons from 2009-10 onwards and, if found guilty, could face major punishments. No decision is imminent, however, and Pep Guardiola could well be on his way out by the time it comes.
The manager is signed up at the Etihad until the summer of 2025, by which time he'll have been in charge for nine seasons. It is understood that the highly confidential process is currently at the stage where statements are being taken from witnesses, which could be the case up until next spring.
It means City are effectively free to play the remainder of this season knowing that no trial or decision is imminent. Any outcome is someway down the line with a trial scheduled for the late autumn of 2024, but that is unlikely to be the end of the saga.
Proceedings are likely to be extended further with the losing side almost certain to appeal, reports the Daily Mail. Any appeal though cannot go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where City successfully had their UEFA-enforced Champions League ban overturned several years ago. Everton's recent 10-point punishment has set a precedent - and that was for an offence far less than City's alleged breaches.
The Manchester outfit have won the last three league titles, which is part of a run that has seen them win five in six years under Guardiola. They are aiming for an unprecedented four in a row, but their manager insists everyone wants to see them punished.
He said last weekend: "We are innocent until guilt is proved. I know the people want it (City punished). I know, I feel it. I will wait and see, and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain."
Guardiola also stated he would remain whatever the outcome, despite previously claiming he would depart if the club, who maintain their innocence, had lied to him. He said: "Absolutely, I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League."