Manchester City have been tipped to be given a points deduction following the conclusion of their dispute with the Premier League. In February 2023, the English top flight charged its champions with 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations.
These include accusations that the club failed to provide accurate financial information and failed to cooperate with investigations spanning nine seasons (2009/10 to 2017/18). Manchester City denied any wrongdoing, so they looked to prove their innocence in front of an independent panel.
According to the MailOnline, the case – that was being heard in private at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London – has now concluded. The report states that the closing arguments were completed on Friday, with a three-man panel now considering evidence before they deliver a verdict in the coming months.
It's said that if Manchester City are found guilty, then they can expect to be hit with a financial penalty, points deductions or relegation from the Premier League. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what the latest betting market offers on the outcome of the historic hearing.
According to OLBG, Pep Guardiola's side are evens (1/1) to be given a points deduction. Manchester City are currently fourth in the table on 27 points; they're eight points behind Liverpool, who are currently leading the title race, two points ahead of Nottingham Forest in fifth and 22 points adrift of the relegation zone.
OLBG have the club at 5/2 to be fined and 16/1 to face expulsion from the English top flight. Meanwhile, Manchester City are 20/1 to have their trophies rescinded; during the 2009/10 to 2017/18 period, they won three titles, meaning they would be handed over to Manchester United (2011/12 and 2017/18) and Liverpool (2013/14).
OLBG have also priced Manchester City at 33/1 to fold! Following the conclusion of the hearing, Jake Ashton – a 'football betting expert' at OLBG said: "Bookies now say there's a 50% chance that Manchester City receive a points deduction for their 115 charges with odds now offered on the outcome of their trial which wrapped up on Friday!"
When the charges were first announced, Guardiola claimed he was 'fully convinced' that Manchester City were innocent. Then, during the summer, the Spaniard expressed his delight after learning that a hearing start date was agreed.
"I am happy it starts soon and hopefully it finishes soon for the benefit of all of us," said Guardiola in a press conference ahead of the reigning champions' clash against Ipswich on August 24. "Especially for the club but for all the other Premier League clubs, like for all the people that don't wait for the sentence.
"I wish from deep in my heart to go to the trial, the independent panel - and I say it again, independent panel - and as soon as possible release what happened, and we will accept like always we have done."
Then, when asked if he was worried the situation could distract his players, Guardiola replied: "No, we have been three or four years talking about that."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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