Manchester City
Manchester City are being investigated by an independent panel
The verdict to Manchester City's 115 charges of alleged financial misconduct is moving gradually closer after Premier League lawyers were seen arriving for closing statements ahead of the trial.
City were charged with 115 counts of breaching the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules in February 2023, and have always strongly denied all accusations against them. The club potentially face severe punishments such as relegation, significant points deduction, huge fines or stripping of all titles should they be found guilty of breaching the English football body's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
The proceedings which began back in September, were being held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London (IDRC). According to the Daily Mail, on Wednesday, Premier League barristers Andrew Hunter KC and Adam Lewis KC - who fought against Everton over profitability and sustainability rules a year ago - were seen arriving at the IDRC along with Lord Pannick, who is representing City for closing statements.
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The trial which started in September, will conclude this month. An independent commission will investigate and review the 115 charges before any information becomes public.
The Times recently reported that it will be unlikely that the verdict will be announced by the time the 2024/25 Premier League season ends. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail report claims the conclusion will be reached in the 'spring or summer.'
With that said, either side are likely to appeal regardless of the independent panel's ruling. That could mean many more months of proceedings before any potential punishment could be enforced should City be found guilty of the charges.
Out of the 115 charges, 54 of those are related to allegations made against the club for failing to provide accurate and up-to-date financial reports to the league from 2009/10 to 2017/18. While 35 charges are related to the club's alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation between December 2018 and February 2023.