A verdict is believed to be close in Manchester City’s financial fair play case. However, the Premier League champions could still wait a long time to learn their punishment if they are found guilty.
City have strongly denied all 115 charges brought against them.
An outcome is expected in the spring, with an independent panel set to pass judgement more than two years after the Etihad club was initially charged.
But should City be found guilty to any extent, they then face another long wait to discover what sanctions will be handed down.
According to the Financial Times, their punishment will not be decided by the independent panel.
Instead, that will be a separate process, and both Manchester City and the Premier League will have the right to appeal.
The likely punishments could include huge points deductions, a transfer ban, or even expulsion from the English top flight, according to Premier League rules.