September 13 – The case, billed as football’s trial of the century, is to begin on Monday when Manchester City face 115 charges for allegedly breaking financial rules, with potentially huge ramifications.
In one corner, the Premier League. In the other, its champion for four consecutive seasons and the dominant force in English club football.
The charges will be heard at an independent hearing, which is set to start at an unknown location subject to any late legal delays and is expected to run for 10 weeks with a verdict expected in early 2025.
City stand accused of 80 breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018, plus a further 35 of failing to cooperate with a Premier League investigation.
Since a 2008 takeover from Sheikh Mansour, City have won eight of the last 13 Premier League titles, including a record four in a row. They also lifted the Champions League for the first time in 2023.
But their achievements have been clouded in controversy, with opposing fans often making reference to the charges City face. However, the club have always vehemently protested their innocence and vowed to clear their name.
“Of course, it’s frustrating. I think the reference is always frustrating,” said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak earlier this year.
“I can feel, of course, for our fan base, for everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced.”
The Premier League brought the charges in February 2023 but there has been a lengthy wait for the case to proceed before an independent commission.
If found guilty on some or all of the charges, City face a severe points deduction and possibly even relegation from the Premier League.
Everton and Nottingham Forest suffered points deductions last season for breaches of the league’s profit and sustainability rules, though they had some of those points deductions returned to them on appeal.
City stand accused of failing to provide accurate financial information between 2009 and 2018, including revenue from sponsors and salary details of managers and players. Other charges relate to breaches of both UEFA and the Premier League’s financial sustainability regulations.
Even if City are found guilty of some or all of the charges by the commission, the club would likely appeal that decision, which would further delay the imposition of any sanctions.
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