Manchester City will face a hearing over their 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League rules. But what exactly are they accused of doing?
It has been rumbling on for more than 18 months but the end is finally in sight. Manchester City's hearing with the Premier League into the club's 115 charges for allegedly breaching financial rules begins on Monday.
The charges, which were announced on February 6 2023, have threatened to overshadow City's incredible achievements on the pitch before and since details of the investigation were revealed.
Pep Guardiola's side won the Premier League title that May and then completed the treble by winning the FA Cup and the Champions League. And the following season they made English football history by becoming the first team ever to win four consecutive league titles.
But with each success there have been questions from the media and rival fans about the charges, and when the outcome of the investigation will be announced. That day is getting closer and closer, and the first step towards it will be taken on Monday, when what many are dubbing 'the sports trial of the century' finally begins.
GOAL explains the key details as City prepare to do battle with the Premier League…
GettyWhat are the 115 charges?
According to the Premier League's statement released at the time, City were charged with 54 counts of failing to provide accurate financial information for the seasons 2009-10 until 2017-18. They also failed to provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18 on 14 occasions.
Five charges related to their failure to comply with UEFA's rules including Financial Fair Play (FFP) from 2013-14 to 2017-18. A further seven charges are for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) rules, from 2015-16 until 2017-18.
The final 35 charges are for failing to co-operate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 until Feb 2023.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhen does the case start & how long will it last?
Although neither City nor the Premier League have confirmed a date, the hearing has been widely reported to start on Monday. According to the , it will take around 10 weeks to conclude and a verdict is expected in early 2025.
Getty How will City be punished if they are found guilty?
According to , City will face the threat of relegation from the Premier League if the most serious allegations are proven.
Getty Images What have City said?
When the charges were first announced in February 2023, the club put out a statement saying: "Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
"The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."