Premier League news as Manchester City's high-profile case over 115 alleged financial breaches enters its closing statements
A general view of a Manchester City corner flag prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium.
Man City's hearing over 115 alleged financial breaches is drawing to an end (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester City's trial against the Premier League regarding their 115 charges of alleged financial misconduct reportedly began its closing statements on Wednesday. In the midst of their latest title battle Liverpool and their rivals are awaiting a verdict, which is moving gradually closer.
A trial six years in the making seems to be approaching its end. Rumours suggest champions of six of the past seven seasons Man City face potentially severe punishments such as relegation, points deductions, huge fines or stripping of titles, all because of the 115 charges placed upon them for supposedly breaching the English football body's financial rules between 2009 and 2018. City strenuously deny any wrongdoing.
Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League's member clubs have waited patiently for an outcome as the proceedings have been dealt with in entire secrecy. Whilst they still look for the full verdict, a fresh report from The Daily Mail claims the trial's closing statements were being made in London today.
READ MORE: 'What I need' - Wataru Endo reveals private talks with Arne Slot after lack of Liverpool minutesREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola's four word response to Arne Slot's Man City 115 charges quip
Leading barristers from Blackstone Chambers Adam Lewis KC - who also represented against Everton over profitability and sustainability rules a year ago - on the side of the Premier League, and Lord Pannick for Man City were seen arriving at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC), near St. Paul's Cathedral.
Once the trial - which started in September - concludes this month, all of the charges placed upon the Reds' rivals will be investigated, reviewed and analysed by an independent commission before any information becomes public.
This led to The Times recently reporting that the verdict could still not be announced by the time all 38 matches of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign have been played. The Mail now add that the conclusion will be reached in 'spring or summer'.
An appeal from either side is likely regardless of the independent panel's ruling. This means there would be months of further proceedings before any potential punishment could be enforced, should City be found guilty of the charges they strongly deny.
Of the charges, 54 relate to allegations made against Man City failing to provide accurate and up-to-date financial reports to the league from 2009-10 to 2017-18. Another 35 are attached to the club's alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation between December 2018 and February 2023.