The hearing into Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules begins on Monday. The charges, stemming from a four-year investigation, were referred to an independent commission in February 2023. The allegations claim that City violated financial regulations between 2009 and 2018.
Manchester City strongly denies all charges, asserting that they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their case. The Premier League alleges that City failed to provide accurate financial information regarding revenue, sponsorship income, and operating costs and accuses the club of non-cooperation.
City has previously dismissed the allegations as “entirely false” and claimed they were based on “illegal hacking and out-of-context publication” of emails, originally reported by the German newspaper Der Spiegel.
Since their 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, City has won eight league titles, multiple cups, and the Champions League. City manager Pep Guardiola expressed hope for a swift resolution, stating, “Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we’ll see.”
What are the 115 charges?
- 54 charges for failing to provide accurate financial information from the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons.
- 14 charges for not accurately detailing player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
- 5 charges for non-compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules from 2013-14 to 2017-18.
- 7 charges for breaching Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) from 2015-16 to 2017-18.
- 35 charges for failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to February 2023.
How long will the case last?
The hearing is expected to last about 10 weeks, potentially running into late November.
When will there be a verdict?
An immediate verdict is not anticipated. A decision is expected in early 2025, though the exact date is uncertain.
Will there be an appeal?
The case cannot be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, either party could appeal, potentially leading to a new hearing with a different independent panel.
What about legal costs?
Legal fees are already estimated in the tens of millions of pounds. The losing side may seek to claim costs. For context, in a previous case, Everton faced a £4.9m legal bill but ended up paying £1.7m, with the Premier League covering the remaining £3.2m. Any costs for the City case would be distributed among the 20 Premier League clubs.
The members of the independent panel overseeing Manchester City’s case remain unknown, with details expected to be revealed only after the written judgment is issued.
City’s legal team is led by Lord Pannick KC, who charges around £5,000 an hour. Pannick previously helped City overturn a two-year European ban in 2020 and has advised former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Last February, City fans displayed a banner at Etihad Stadium reading “Pannick on the streets of London.”
Reports suggest that sports law expert Adam Lewis KC may head the Premier League’s legal team. In the Everton PSR hearing, the Premier League used Linklaters, a renowned London law firm.
The case is being heard privately, not in a public court, and its location is undisclosed. Some portions may be conducted remotely via video calls.
