It is the biggest scandal in the history of English football. But two weeks after the Premier League independent commission’s findings against Manchester City were published, how much closer are we to reaching a resolution?

Sky Sports News' Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol breaks down the state of play...

Manchester City were initially charged three years ago. Why is this process taking so long?

It's taking this long because this case is the biggest of its kind and Manchester City have been using all means at their disposal to fight to prove their innocence.

The Premier League want a quick resolution whereas it is in City's interests - and within their rights - to explore every single legal avenue open to them. City obviously have unlimited funds to do that.

What is the status of the sanctions hearing?

The Premier League want the sanctions hearing to be heard as soon as possible but that is not necessarily the case for City.

The outcome of this process is going to be so big for City that they want to make sure that everything is done strictly according to the rules. The longer City are winning and top of the table, the more uncomfortable it is for the Premier League and the other clubs.

Will City's appeal delay the sanctions hearing?

Not necessarily. The sanctions hearing can take place while the appeal process runs its course.

If the sanctions hearing is held before the appeal hearing, does it follow that the sanctions would also be announced before the appeal?

That is not clear as things stand but you would assume that the Premier League would want any sanctions made public, while it would be in City's interests to keep everything private and confidential until the final decision.

Who will appear in the sanctions hearing?

The same three-person panel which heard evidence at the 42-day hearing in 2024 and delivered its core decision two weeks ago will decide on sanctions.

The Premier League, as the prosecutors, will put forward their recommendation for suitable sanctions while City's lawyers will make their case.

Can the sanctions decision be appealed?

Yes. Both sides can appeal against the sanctions decision.

Would a decision, if upheld by any appeal, from the sanctions hearing be final?

Yes, subject to it being challenged by City in the High Court. Clubs would also need to vote to expel City from the Premier League if that was part of any potential punishment.

City have lodged their appeal. When will it be heard?

City submitted their appeal on Thursday October 1 and the Premier League have new rules this season which state an appeal has to be heard within 12 weeks of it being lodged. The appeal can last a maximum of five days - held over a block of days, so Monday to Friday.

However, City may try to delay the appeal process by arguing that the new rules shouldn't apply in this case as City were charged in 2023 - three years before the new rules were introduced.

But as it stands, the five-day appeal, to be heard by a new three-person panel, has to be finished by mid-December.

When will the appeal decision be delivered?

The verdict on the appeal will then be given to the two parties within 30 days of the hearing ending.

How likely is it that City will be successful in their appeal?

Although City claim they have "a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" to prove their innocence, most legal experts expect City to lose the appeal because the judgment is so damning. City can't introduce new evidence or call witnesses and the hearing can only be a maximum of five days.

So the appeal would be the end of the matter?

No. If City lose the appeal, they are expected to go to the High Court and argue the whole process has been unfair.