It was always clear from Masters’ appointment that he was a compliant place-man. He pulled the trigger on the charges and authorised their “weaponised” publication. He and his backers doubtless thought “job done” - as in the manner of a Pontius Pilate they passed the matter over to the Independent Panel. Meanwhile during the intervening 18 months, the systematic, brutal trashing of City’s reputation and achievements was facilitated through various media campaigns and leaks. IMO they haven’t a hope of landing the serious charges, but that’s almost incidental now. They underestimated City’s resolve in the fight and due to the PL’s appallingly poor leadership, it is now lurching from crisis to crisis. I can’t believe the IR will allow a super league to happen either and I’m expecting a high body count at the PL with Masters at the top of the (hopefully large) pile.