Manchester City’s trial into 115 charges of alleged financial rule breaches is beginning today with the independent hearing expected to last around 10 weeks, and City vehemently denying all charges.
The EPL defending champion charges is related to an alleged financial misconduct during the period from 2009 to 2018 which has seen them win the EPL six times.
With a verdict not anticipated until 2025, Manchester City legal team includes; Paul Harris, Lord Patrick Pannick of Blackstone Chambers who is the lead barrister for the trial, Philip Marshall, James Mather and Clifford Chance have all been heavily supported by the City fans in recent times with the latest form of support and trust portrayed through the ‘Pannick on the Streets of London’ banner back in February.
Manchester City was charged in February 2023 after a four-year investigation into alleged financial breaches. The trial, which could have significant consequences for the sport, centers around 54 charges related to City’s failure to provide accurate financial information about the club’s revenues. If found guilty of any or all of these charges, the club could face severe repercussions. The charges will be investigated and reviewed by an independent commission.
Albeit in the midst of the chaos, City players have been told by the owner Sheikh Mansour, backed by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that they have nothing to worry about despite the impending chaos it might cause if found guilty.
The 54 charges relates to inaccurate financial reporting, 14 charges related to inaccurate player and manager payment details, 5 charges related to non-compliance with UEFA rules (including Financial Fair Play), 7 charges related to breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, and 35 charges related to non-cooperation with the Premier League investigation.
While many of the charges focus on financial issues, 35 charges specifically address the club’s alleged failure to cooperate with the investigation from 2018 to 2023. The financial allegations date back to 2009 and were initially highlighted in leaked documents published by the German newspaper Der Spiegel. City has consistently maintained that these leaked emails were obtained illegally.
City are not allowing that get into their heads, recording a perfect start to the 2024/25 campaign amidst UCL return.