The long-anticipated hearing into Manchester City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules is set to commence on Monday, September 16, 2024. The charges, which span nine years from 2009 to 2018, focus primarily on violations of financial fair play regulations.
During this time, City managed to edge out Liverpool for the Premier League title on two occasions, winning in both the 2013/14 and 2017/18 seasons. Manchester City has consistently denied the allegations, with their manager Pep Guardiola previously expressing his strong belief in the club’s innocence.
According to a report from Sky Sports, the hearing will involve legal teams from both Manchester City and the Premier League, who will present their cases before an independent panel.
Due to the extensive number of charges, the proceedings are expected to last for at least two months. While there are hopes that the hearing might conclude before the end of the year, there is a possibility that a final verdict could be delayed until 2025.
Once the hearing is completed, the independent commission will need time to review all the evidence before reaching a decision. Should Manchester City be found guilty, potential penalties could include a deduction of points, and in extreme circumstances, the club might even face expulsion from the league—though this outcome is considered unlikely.
Another question that arises is whether City could be stripped of the titles they won during the alleged violation period.
The charges against City are significant, with the club accused of breaking financial regulations around 100 times, as well as failing to fully cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation, which began in 2018 and extended until February 2023.
If found guilty, City is expected to appeal the ruling, which could further prolong the process. The case has garnered attention due to the severity of the accusations and the potential punishments, as many have compared it to other recent punishments handed down to clubs like Everton and Nottingham Forest, which pale in comparison to the scale of Manchester City’s charges.
In any case, this hearing is shaping up to be a complex and lengthy process, with many questions left unanswered. The road ahead is uncertain, and it could be some time before we know the full impact of these proceedings on Manchester City and the Premier League as a whole.
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