Manchester City’s hearing into 115 Premier League offences begins on Monday. The reigning champions could face a points deduction.
City, who are seeking a fifth consecutive Premier League title, risk unlimited fines or even exclusion from the English top flight if found guilty. Club officials have denied the allegations against them and the hearing is now imminent.
The club is suspected of breaching Premier League financial regulations for nine years from 2009. He has been accused of failing to provide accurate financial information and a range of allegations have been raised.
In August, Premier League manager Richard Masters said “it is time to resolve the case with City”. “This case has been ongoing for a number of years and I believe it goes without saying that this case needs to be heard and answered”, he said.
In a statement dated February 2023, Manchester City said: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the Premier League’s announcement of alleged breaches of the rules, particularly given the extensive involvement and provision of a large amount of detailed material to the EPL”. That same month, the Premier League confirmed that City’s alleged breaches had been referred to a committee.
“The club would welcome a review of this matter by an independent committee who will impartially consider the vast amount of irrefutable evidence in support of the club’s position”, City continued. “We therefore hope that this matter will be resolved in full.”
The Premier League’s investigation began in 2019 but the league did not publish a full list of alleged breaches until 2023. The charges include failing to disclose financial remuneration paid to managers and failing to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. The period is five years.
The hearing is expected to last two months. The independent committee investigating the case is expected to take some time to reach a decision due to the volume of charges.
This means a decision is expected in the new year. Publication of the decision is unlikely before the spring, and it has been suggested it could take even longer.
Even if City receives a points deduction or other penalty, the company can appeal against the decision, which could lengthen the process even further.
“The committee is independent of the Premier League or its member clubs,” the Premier League said in its own statement to City in February 2023. “The committee members will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Committee in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.”
“Proceedings before the Committee will be confidential in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82 and will be in camera. In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Committee’s final award will be published on the Premier League website.
“This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice.”
