The hearing into Manchester City’s alleged breaches of financial regulations will begin on Monday, according to reports.
City have been charged with 115 counts of allegedly breaking Premier League rules over a nine-year period starting in 2009.
If found guilty, City, who have won the last four Premier League titles, could face a points deduction or even expulsion from the league, with the threat of rescinding previous honours won also said to be on the table.
The alleged rule breaches include not providing accurate financial information for nine separate seasons and not disclosing full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay over the four seasons he was at the club from 2009 to 2013.
They also include allegedly not providing full details of players’ remuneration — including that of former midfielder Yaya Toure — over six seasons between 2010 to 2016.
City have denied any wrongdoing and said at the time of their referral to an independent commission in February 2023: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
ESPN and Sky Sports News have reported the hearing, which is expected to last 10 weeks with the outcome delivered in early 2025, will start next week.
