Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Ben McCrum
Sky Sports have provided a major update on Manchester City's upcoming trial over their 115 charges and stated when we can expect to hear a verdict.
City's upcoming trial regarding the supposed 115 breaches of financial fair play rules is set to get underway on Monday.
The club, who strongly deny any wrongdoing, have been charged with breaching the rules over a nine-year period, between 2009 and 2018.
And now, more details regarding the trial have been revealed, including when a verdict can be expected.
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In the trial, the Premier League are accusing City of failing to provide accurate financial information during the nine-year period.
They also claim that the Manchester club breached UEFA's financial fair play rules over a five-year period and say that City have been difficult to work with during the investigation.
It remains to be seen what kind of punishment could be handed to City should they be found guilty by the independent panel overseeing the trial.
Point deductions, like those handed to Nottingham Forest and Everton, are a potential option, with an expulsion from the Premier League also possible, albeit a much more more extreme punishment.
Regardless, a report from Sky Sports has claimed that the earliest we can expect a decision to be made over a verdict or any punishments, would be spring next year.
However, it remains possible that it could be even later than this as the trial is expected to detailed legal representations from both City and the Premier League that could last as long as four months.
Once both sides have pled their case, the independent commission will make their decision having considered all available evidence, and publish it for the public to see.
If they conclude that City are guilty of all or some of the 115 charges, then it is highly likely that the club will appeal, further drawing out the legal process.
"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," said Manchester City in a statement when the charges were announced in February 2023.
"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."