The hearing into Manchester City’s alleged breaking of the Premier League’s financial rules will start today.
Dubbed ‘The Trial of the Century’, the outcome could have enormous ramifications for City and the Premier League as a whole.
The club are accused of breaching 115 regulations over a nine-year period and were referred to an independent commission in February 2023.
City have always maintained their innocence and say they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.”
The hearing is expected to last around 10 weeks with a verdict expected early next year. Should City be found guilty of wrongdoing, the sanctions could be severe with relegation or expulsion from the Premier League reportedly potential punishments.
Speaking on Friday, City boss Pep Guardiola welcomed the hearing getting under way.
He said: “It starts soon and I hope it finishes soon. The independent panel will decide and we look forward to the decision.
“We are going to accept the sentence. We’ll see but we are happy it starts on Monday. I know there will be rumours about the sentences. I know what people are expecting, what I have read for many years. Everyone is innocent until guilt is proven.”
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 over six seasons between 2010 to 2016.
