Revealed: Man City’s hearing for 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules has CONCLUDED with D-Day over champions’ top-flight status moving step closer after lengthy war
- Mail Sport can exclusively reveal that closing arguments were held on Friday
- If Man City is found guilty, financial sanctions and even relegation could follow
The hearing into the Premier League’s 115 charges against Manchester City has concluded.
Mail Sport can reveal that closing arguments in a case with huge implications for English football concluded on Friday – with a three-member panel now considering evidence before handing down a verdict in the coming months.
The proceedings began on September 16 at London’s International Dispute Resolution Center and are shrouded in secrecy. However, after a brief break, both sides delivered their final shot last week in a high-stakes battle.
The Premier League has accused its champions of multiple breaches of financial rules and of failing to cooperate with a subsequent investigation.
Should City, who strongly refute any wrongdoing, be found guilty of some of the more serious charges, they could be hit with huge financial fines, points deductions or even relegation.
However, as Mail Sport previously reported, it is highly likely that – if no agreement is reached – both sides will appeal the upcoming verdict. And if that is the case, a final decision may not be made until the end of next season, perpetuating a state of damaging uncertainty.
City’s alleged rule breach is said to have occurred over a period of 14 years. The original 115 charges were expanded to a total of 130 following an administrative matter.
The hearing into the 115 charges against Manchester City in the Premier League has been completed
The Premier League has charged the perennial champions with 115 financial breaches
The league, led by CEO Richard Masters, has been investigating City for more than five years
The four-in-a-row champions are accused of failing to provide accurate financial information covering nine seasons spanning from 2009-10 to 2017-18, and of failing to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s wages between 2009-10 and 2017. 2012-13.
They also allegedly failed to provide full details of the amounts paid to players between 2010-2011 and 2015-2016 and failed to cooperate with the investigation from 2018 to 2023.
That investigation, following hacked material published in German media, has led to astronomical legal costs for the league, raising concerns among a number of clubs. The news that the hearing is finally over comes as a relief to many.
The league’s senior lawyer is Adam Lewis KC, while Lord Pannick is leading City’s defence. Both come from Blackstone Chambers.
The Premier League and Manchester City have been contacted for comment.