Man City hearing on 115 Premier League charges reportedly concludes

Manchester City’s hearing regarding 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules has concluded, but a verdict is not anticipated until 2025, according to reports on Monday.  

The case, which began on September 16 at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre, saw closing arguments presented to an independent panel on Friday, The Daily Mail reported.

The club, which denies any wrongdoing, could face severe penalties, including possible relegation from the Premier League, if found guilty.

The charges include 80 breaches of financial rules from 2009 to 2018 and 35 counts of non-cooperation with the league’s investigation.

This comes after Everton and Nottingham Forest were penalized with points deductions last season for violating the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Since Sheikh Mansour’s 2008 takeover, Manchester City has dominated English football, winning eight of the last 13 Premier League titles, including an unprecedented four consecutive championships in the past four seasons.

City also lifted the Champions League for the first time in 2023.

Those achievements have been clouded in controversy, with opposing fans often making reference to the charges City face.

However, the club have always protested their innocence and vowed to clear their name.

The Premier League brought the charges in February 2023 but there has been a long wait for the case to proceed before an independent commission.

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.

On the field, Pep Guardiola’s men are going through an lean spell with just one win from their last nine games in all competitions.