The independent hearing into Manchester City’s has alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations begins on Monday.
Dubbed the “sports trial of the century” by British media, the three-person commission would scrutinise evidence for approximately 10 weeks, with a verdict expected before the end of the current season.
The charges, dating from 2009 to 2018, includes Failure to provide accurate financial information,Non-disclosure of player and manager remuneration, Breaches of Premier League and UEFA financial fair play regulations, Failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations.
Manchester City, who have dominated English football with four consecutive title wins, deny any wrongdoing.
A guilty verdict could result in severe penalties, including Huge fines,Points deductions
and Demotion from the Premier League.
Manager Pep Guardiola welcomed the start of the trial, saying, “It starts soon and then (hopefully) finishes soon. An independent panel will decide, and I am looking forward to the decision.”
He emphasised the importance of innocence until proven guilty, stating, “We’re going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.
I am not a lawyer. (Striker) Erling (Haaland) is not a lawyer. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
If found guilty, Manchester City could face severe penalties, including huge fines, points deductions, or even demotion from the Premier League.
This would tarnish their impressive achievements since Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the club in 2008, including eight Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, six League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Reuters
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