The long-awaited hearing into 115 allegations of breaching Premier League financial rules against Manchester City will begin next Monday (local time), according to Sky Sports and ESPN.
The investigation was referred to an independent commission in February 2023 after a four-year investigation. The Premier League said Man City's alleged breaches took place over nine seasons, from 2009 to 2018, and could face relegation as the maximum penalty.
Man City were also accused of failing to comply with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) rules, alongside UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations, and were also accused of failing to cooperate with the Premier League during the investigation.
The Citizens have denied all allegations and made a surprise statement when they were referred to the independent commission in February last year. Man City are Premier League champions for four consecutive seasons, a league record.
Since Man City were referred to the independent commission, both Everton and Nottingham Forest have faced points deductions for breaching the Premier League's PSR rules.
An independent committee will be formed of three members and hearings into the allegations are expected to take place over several months.
The nature of Man City's case, as well as the number of charges, means a decision may not be made until the end of the 2024-25 season. The Citizens also have the right to appeal if they are found guilty of some or all of the charges.
Premier League rules state that if a club is found guilty, punishment can range from points deduction to expulsion from the league.
The investigation into Man City began after Der Spiegel magazine published Football Leaks documents in 2018, which alleged that Man City had funnelled money from the club's owners through sponsors in the UAE. Man City refused to comment and denied all allegations, and are believed to have hired a team of high-profile lawyers to assist in the appeal process.
As for Pep Guardiola, the Spanish tactician wanted the hearing to end soon when speaking at the start of the season. "I want the trial to start soon and end quickly. This is good for all of us, especially the club. The other teams in the Premier League and those who are waiting for the verdict also want it," he said.
