Manchester City have returned to the lawyer responsible for defeating UEFA as they attempt to prove their innocence amid allegations of misconduct from the Premier League.
Lord Pannick KC of Blackstone Chambers will once again be the man tasked with leading the Citizens to victory. Pannick was at the forefront of the team who steered the Premier League champions past UEFA after allegations of financial misconduct in 2020.
Pannick has a lengthy history with City, including successfully representing the club when they appealed against ex-boss Joe Royle's payout following his sacking in 2001.
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The club will be hoping that Pannick can make it three victories out of three when he fronts the fight against the Premier League, one which could prove to be the biggest battle that the club will ever face.
Pannick will be paid healthily for his troubles. The Lawyer reports of his eye-watering hourly fees, which range from £5000-£10,000 per hour.
When the figures are broken down, Pannick could be earning as much as £400,000 per week whilst he fights the Blues corner, a wage which is on par with two-time PFA Player of the Year, Kevin De Bruyne.
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Whilst the figures may seem mind-boggling to some, the potential sanctions that could be applied to the club should they lose their battle with the Premier League are likely to outweigh the financial outlay.
Possible punishments range from hefty fines and points deductions to expulsion from the Football League itself. So it should come as no surprise to see that City are gunning for the best in the business to prove their innocence.
Whether Pep Guardiola will be the man to lead the Citizens through the legalities remains to be seen, with bookmakers slashing the odds on the Spaniard leaving the club prior to the start of the 2023/24 season after previously threatening to leave the club if he was lied to regarding their business of the pitch.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Premier League