Major update given on Premier League's legal battle with Man City with decision expected

An update has emerged regarding the Premier League's ongoing legal battle with Manchester City as a decision on the FFP case is 'expected soon', according to a new report.

The backdrop to City's title win last season involved the 115 charges brought against them relating to alleged breaches of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules [PSR].

These charges relate to the time period between 2009 and 2018, and largely relate to a 'failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information', as well as a 'failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations'.

City strenuously deny the allegations made relating to financial irregularity and have vowed to clear their name.

In fact, City believe the Premier League has 'treated them unfairly' in assessing their commercial income by relying on the analysis of data company Nielsen, who also work for their rivals.

That's according to a report from The Guardian, who claim City are 'understood' to have raised the Premier League’s use of Nielsen in their legal battle over associated party transactions.

In a 165-page document, City have argued that APT rules are unlawful.

In terms of the 'when and where' regarding this detailed case, an initial hearing into the charges will take place in November, as per The Times. It is expected to last for around six weeks, with an outcome expected in the first half of 2025.

The Guardian, meanwhile, claim a decision on the landmark case is expected soon, although it is unclear when it will be made public.

Back in May, Sky News reporter Rob Harris provided another update on the case, including the Premier League's latest indication in terms of the official hearing.

He said: "City insist they've got an irrefutable body of evidence to prove their case. The Premier League have indicated that the hearing is coming in the next few months, we expect.

"But for many, it's dragged on now for 15 months since the charges were levelled, and still no verdict, while other clubs have been punished."

So, what are the 115 charges against Manchester City? The full list is as follows:

• Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18 - 54 alleged breaches
• Failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 - present [February 2023] - 35 alleged breaches
• Failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18 - 14 alleged breaches
• Breaches of Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations from 2015/16 to and including 2017/18 - Seven alleged breaches
• Failure to comply with UEFA's regulations, including UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations - Five alleged breaches

SPORTbible has contacted Manchester City for comment.