Manchester City’s hearing concerning 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations has officially concluded, according to a report by Mail Online’s Mike Keegan. The case, which has been dubbed “The Trial of the Century,” now awaits a thorough review by a three-member panel tasked with examining all evidence before delivering a verdict. This process is expected to take several months.
The hearing, which ended last Friday, involved final arguments from both sides, marking a significant milestone in the prolonged legal battle between the Premier League and the reigning four-time consecutive champions.
The charges against Manchester City span a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018 and largely pertain to alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) rule violations. The club has also been accused of failing to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Manchester City, however, strongly deny all allegations and maintain their stance that they have adhered to the league’s financial rules. Club manager Pep Guardiola and other senior figures within the organization have consistently expressed confidence in their innocence.
Guardiola, who recently extended his contract for another two years, firmly stated, “We are innocent until guilt is proved,” when asked whether he would remain in charge should the club face relegation as a consequence of the case.
Potential repercussions for Manchester City, if found guilty, could be severe. Penalties range from substantial fines and points deductions to the possibility of relegation to a lower tier of English football.
Such outcomes could have profound implications not only for the club’s future but also for the competitive landscape of the Premier League.
Despite the conclusion of the hearing phase, the saga is far from over. Should the final decision not satisfy either party, an appeal is highly likely, which could prolong the case even further. Some reports suggest that a conclusive resolution might not be reached until the end of the 2025/26 season if the appeals process is triggered.
This complex and high-stakes case has captivated the football world, with fans, pundits, and rival clubs eagerly awaiting the verdict. For now, Manchester City remains steadfast in their defense, while the Premier League prepares for what could be a landmark decision in the history of English football governance.
