A hearing examining more than 100 Premier League charges against Manchester City is due to conclude next month, according to reports.
The Lawyer magazine has reported that the hearing, which began on September 16, is currently paused as the two sides prepare closing arguments, which will begin in early to mid-December.
The independent commission hearing has been held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in central London.
The club were charged in February last year with 115 alleged breaches of top-flight financial rules, and with failing to co-operate with the subsequent investigation.
City have denied the charges. An outcome is expected next year.
If found guilty, City could face a severe punishment, including the possibility of relegation, although there is a strong possibility of an appeal whatever the final outcome.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recently signed a new contract through to the summer of 2027 and insisted he would “be here” even if they are relegated.
Earlier this month, the Times reported four clubs – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham – had lodged legal notices reserving the right to claim compensation if City were found guilty of any serious breaches.
City are charged with failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons stretching from 2009-10 to 2017-18, as well as failing to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009-10 and 2012-13.
They are also charged with failing to provide full details of remuneration in contracts with players between 2010-11 and 2015-16, and with failing to co-operate with the investigation over a period from 2018 to 2023.
The club deny any wrongdoing and have previously said they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their stance.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel