Manchester City's appeal against a verdict finding the club guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial regulations is expected to be heard by January, according to Independent Football Regulator chairman David Kogan.
The Premier League champions, who have consistently denied wrongdoing, are awaiting a decision on potential sanctions following the findings against them.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future, City have made a perfect start to the league season, winning all six matches and moving to the top of the table following a 3-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend.
However, the possibility of severe sporting penalties continues to overshadow their campaign.
No punishment has yet been confirmed, but Manchester City could face significant consequences if the verdict is upheld.
Potential sanctions include a substantial points deduction that could threaten their Premier League status, while speculation has also emerged over whether the club could be stripped of the three league titles they won between 2009 and 2018.
Speaking to Times Radio on Wednesday, Kogan explained that the Premier League wants the matter resolved before the end of the current season.
"The Premier League have said that they want to get this resolved within season, and actually, of course, it's not the Premier League, it's an independent commission that's actually going to hear this, made of three retired either judges or lawyers," he said.
Kogan indicated that the appeals process is expected to take approximately 12 weeks, placing a potential hearing in January.
"My understanding is that there is a prescribed process, which is 12 weeks, and so people are assuming this will actually be heard by the middle or the end of January."
However, he stressed that the Independent Football Regulator has no direct involvement in determining the outcome.
"But as I say, it's not our process, it's that of the Premier League's independent commission. What I don't think we can do is take any judgment until we're quite clear."
The ongoing proceedings have also raised concerns about potential political involvement.
Kogan warned on Tuesday that he would resign if political interference affected any future investigations involving Manchester City conducted by the Independent Football Regulator.
His comments followed criticism of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who expressed concern about the possibility of City's Abu Dhabi-based owners leaving the club following the guilty verdict.
Burnham said he would be "really concerned" if the ownership group decided to withdraw from Manchester City.
The remarks prompted questions about whether political figures were attempting to influence football's regulatory processes.
Downing Street subsequently clarified the government's position, insisting that nobody was "above the rules".
Burnham, who served as mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until June 2026, has since published details of his dealings with Manchester City's hierarchy.
Kogan emphasised that maintaining the regulator's independence is essential to protecting the integrity of English football.
"We've had absolutely no interference from anybody since we created the regulator a year ago," he said.
"We cannot, when regulating football, be subject to political interference on decisions we make about owners, directors or anything else."
He made clear that he would not remain in his position if the organisation became subject to outside political pressure.
"And I won't actually be prepared to run an organisation which is subject to that degree of interference."
Although the Independent Football Regulator is separate from the Premier League's disciplinary process, Kogan's comments highlight the importance of ensuring that football authorities can make decisions without external influence.
While uncertainty continues off the pitch, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has publicly backed the club's position.
Speaking last week, Maresca said he "completely trusts" Manchester City and believes the club will successfully overturn the verdict.
City have maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings and are preparing to challenge the findings through the independent appeals process.
The club's strong start to the Premier League season has demonstrated that the ongoing controversy has not affected their early results.
However, the potential consequences remain significant, particularly if a points deduction is imposed during the campaign.
With the appeal expected to be heard by the middle or end of January, Manchester City face a crucial period both on and off the pitch.
The outcome could have major implications for the club's immediate Premier League future and the wider enforcement of financial regulations in English football.
