Manchester City Set For Legal Battle Over 115 Financial Breach Charges

Manchester City is facing a major legal battle as the hearing into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations is set to commence in mid-to-late September 2024.

The charges, which span from 2009 to 2023, include accusations of failing to provide accurate financial information, non-compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, and breaches of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The independent commission hearing, initially planned for November, has been brought forward according to a report in “The Times.” This hearing is expected to last ten weeks, with a verdict likely to be delivered early in 2025.

The charges against Manchester City are extensive, including 54 counts of failing to provide accurate financial information from 2009-10 to 2017-18, 14 counts related to player and manager payments during the same period, and 35 counts of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to February 2023.

The allegations first came to light through leaked documents published by German newspaper “Der Spiegel” in 2018. These documents suggested that Manchester City had concealed payments made by Sheikh Mansour through third parties, disguising them as sponsorship revenue. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has taken legal action against the Premier League itself.

If found guilty, Manchester City could face severe penalties, including points deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League. The disciplinary commission hearing the case has limitless powers, meaning the potential consequences for the club are massive. However, any punishment will only be imposed if the charges are proven.

The complexity and volume of the charges mean that the case is expected to be detailed and multifaceted. Manchester City has already faced similar allegations from UEFA, resulting in a two-year Champions League ban that was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, the Premier League’s investigation does not allow for an appeal to CAS, adding another layer of uncertainty to the proceedings.

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