Manchester City’s Hearing on Financial Breaches Begins

Manchester City’s hearing on 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules began on Monday.

The charges, stemming from a four-year investigation, claim that City violated financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The club strongly denies all allegations and asserts that their case is backed by “a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence.”

The Premier League accuses City of failing to provide “accurate financial information” regarding club revenue, sponsorship income, and operating costs. They also allege that City did not cooperate with the investigation. Manchester City, which has achieved significant success since its 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, dismissed the allegations as “entirely false” and claimed they originated from “illegal hacking and out-of-context publication of City emails.”

The private hearing, expected to last around 10 weeks, is taking place at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre.

While the proceedings remain secretive, the arrival of barristers, including Lord Pannick from Blackstone Chambers who will lead City’s legal team, confirmed that the hearing has indeed started. No Premier League representatives were seen entering the building, suggesting they may have used a different entrance.