August 13 – The hearing into Manchester City’s 115 alleged rule breaches has been brought forward from November and could start as early as next month – with a possible verdict by the New Year.
A report in The Times newspaper states that while it had been expected that the independent commission looking into the case wouldn’t sit until November, it is now believed that the process will begin in earnest in mid-September unless there are any further legal delays.
The hearing is set to take place over a period of 10 weeks, with an outcome of a separate legal case brought by City over associated party transactions coming in the next fortnight.
The alleged breaches cover nine separate seasons, when it is claimed that the club did not provide accurate financial information over payments. City have also been charged with not co-operating with the investigation.
The defending Premier League champions have long vehemently denied any wrongdoing but should the most serious charges against them be proven they face the possibility of a hefty points deduction. Even relegation, an unthinkable scenario, has not been ruled out.
Meanwhile, City captain Kyle Walker says the Premier League is “ours to lose” as his side look to win an unprecedented fifth title in a row.
City were the first club to win four successive English top-flight championships last term and begin their defence on Sunday when they travel to Chelsea.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an ego, but we’ve done this now four times in a row – this is our trophy to lose,” Walker told the BBC.
“I can assure you, when you’re looking down at your arm and you’ve got that gold badge that no-one else has got it’s a good feeling. Long may it continue.”
Under manager Pep Guardiola, City have become a ruthless winning machine.
“Why can’t we go and do five in a row? Why can’t we go and do something I don’t think will probably be ever be done again?,” said Walker. “That’s the motivation we have to create from us as a group of players, from me as a captain.”
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