Manchester City’s hearing over 115 charges of alleged financial misconduct begins TODAY as football’s trial of the century gets underway
The hearing into the 115 charges of alleged financial misconduct against Manchester City begins today.
It is alleged that the city violated financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
City, which strongly denies all allegations, says its case is supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”.
The Premier League accused City of failing to provide accurate financial information and failing to provide accurate details of payments to players and managers.
The case, which is being held at a private venue, has been dubbed the ‘trial of the century’. The hearing is expected to last around 10 weeks, with a verdict expected in early 2025. The city’s defence team will be led by Lord Pannick KC.
Man City’s 115-count hearing over alleged financial misconduct begins today
Der Spiegel first published allegations that the city had violated FFP rules in November 2018.
The city was sued in 2023 after a four-year investigation.
If found guilty, City could face points deductions and fines, with relegation being the most severe punishment.
35 of the charges against City relate to their alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League investigation into their conduct between December 2018 and February 2023.
The charges against the Premier League include eight alleged breaches of rules relating to “all details of managerial remuneration” dating from 2009-10 to 2012-13, when Roberto Mancini was in charge.
Former City defender Aymeric Laporte said the players were told not to worry about the trial period.
It is alleged that English champions City breached financial regulations between 2009 and 2018
The charges against the Premier League include eight alleged breaches of rules regarding ‘full details of managerial remuneration’ from 2009-10 to 2012-13, when Roberto Mancini was in charge
Laporte told Mail Sport: ‘When I was there and the news came out, the sporting director (Txiki Begiristain) and the CEO (Ferran Soriano) came to tell all the players and staff that we could all remain very calm because Man City had not broken any rules.
‘They told us everything was fine, so that’s why we all think City will be fine. I don’t think there will be any problems.
‘As Pep Guardiola always says, if something wrong has been done, they will have to pay for it.’
Since being taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, City have won the Premier League eight times, as well as the Champions League, the FA Cup three times and the League Cup six times.