Manchester City’s long-awaited hearing into 115 alleged financial breaches begins

Manchester City’s long-awaited hearing into alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations has begun in London.

The champions are facing 115 charges of breaking the competition’s rules dating back to the 2009-10 season.

Lord Pannick KC from Blackstone Chambers, who is leading City’s legal team, was pictured arriving at the IDRC, close to St Paul’s Cathedral.

The hearing is reported to have been scheduled for 10 weeks, with the independent commission’s verdict not expected until the new year.

It is thought the club, who are also accused of failing to co-operate with an investigation, could face a range of punishments including a severe points penalty or even expulsion from the Premier League if found guilty.

City were charged by the league in February 2023 after a long investigation into allegations published by German magazine Der Spiegel in autumn 2018.

The club deny any wrongdoing and have previously said they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their stance.

City’s financial affairs have come under regular scrutiny since their takeover by Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.

In 2020 they were banned from European competition after being found guilty of breaking UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, but successfully challenged that ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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