Manchester City have reportedly begun closing statements in their trial against the Premier League over 115 alleged financial breaches. The case got underway in late September at an undisclosed location in London and has been ongoing for the last two-and-a-half months with City strenuously denying any wrongdoing.
Alongside this legal battle, City claimed a small victory against the Premier League body and its rules over associated party transactions (APT). Though any details surrounding City's trial for those financial charges were scarce to begin with, a significant amount has come to light since.
For example, the previously secret location soon became public knowledge with it quickly revealed that proceedings were being held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London (IDRC) - which is near St Paul’s Cathedral.
With the trial approaching its final days in the expected 10-week timeline, Premier League barristers Andrew Hunter KC and Adam Lewis KC of Blackstone Chambers were captured outside that location on Wednesday after closing statements., as per the Mail.
If they prove City are guilty, the punishments could be vast with the stripping of titles and expulsion from England's top flight both plausible. Though the trial could end very soon, a final verdict is not expected until the middle of 2025 at least.
As for matters on the pitch, Man City have struggled significantly with form and are winless from their last seven games in all competitions. Despite that, Pep Guardiola agreed a new contract at the club with his stint at Etihad Stadium now set to reach 10 years.
A fourth consecutive Premier League title however, looks unlikely with runaway leaders Liverpool beating the reigning champions 2-0 this past weekend to extend the gap to 11 points. Arsenal meanwhile, are nine points off the Reds but have entered an impressive run of form.
Nottingham Forest, Sporting CP and West Ham have all been comfortably beaten by the Gunners in recent weeks with Mikel Arteta finally receiving some positive news regarding injuries.
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