The club tonight announced that the disciplinary hearing into the allegations against Carlos Tevez have been concluded. The statement in full is here, but to paraphrase the key points are as follows:
Following a detailed investigation and associated hearing, a disciplinary panel has upheld the charge of misconduct. Five separate breaches of contract formed the basis of the decision by the panel.
As a result Carlos Tevez has been fined four weeks' wages and has been suspended for a period of two weeks (deemed to have already been served). He has received a written warning as to his future conduct. Carlos Tevez has been informed in writing of the decision of the disciplinary panel, and the Club has written to the Professional Footballers Association for ratification of the fine.
The five contractual obligations found by the disciplinary panel to have been breached are:
1. An obligation to participate in any matches in which the player is selected to play for the club when directed by a Club official.
2. An obligation to undertake such other duties and to participate in such other activities as are consistent with the performance of the player's duties and as are reasonably required of him.
3. An obligation to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the Club.
4. An obligation to observe the statutes and regulations of FIFA and UEFA, the FA Rules, the League Rules, the Code of Practice and the Club rules, including but not limited to breach of Rule E3(1) of the FA Rules (obligation on the player all times to act in the best interests of the game and not act in any manner which is improper or which brings the game into disrepute).
5. An obligation not to knowingly or recklessly do anything or omit to do anything which is likely to bring the Club or the game of football into disrepute or cause the player or the Club to be in breach of the Rules (as defined in the contract) or cause damage to the Club.
Carlos Tevez has the right to appeal this decision to the Board of the Club. Any appeal must be made within 14 days.
What does this mean for Tevez's future at City? I honestly don't know. Post-match in Munich, Mancini was clearly adamant that he was 'finished' but this decision (assuming any appeal doesn't alter the outcome) leaves the door open for a return.
Realistically though, Tevez is some way from being in a position to play again (even assuming Mancini is happy to relent) given he hasn't played since the Carling Cup game against Birmingham, a game in which he looked far from sharp. Given the sides attacking displays at present there is hardly the requirement for Tevez either, with it inconceivable he ousts one of the incumbent forwards anytime soon.
Does this decision then allow City to rid themselves of Tevez once the January window opens? This will certainly be at a knock-down fee, but would save a long, drawn out legal process if they pursued the option of terminating his contract, but would also mean that he likely doesn't feature for the club again.