The hearing into Manchester City's 115 Premier League charges is set to commence on Monday, with the reigning champions potentially facing a points deduction.
City, who are in pursuit of their fifth consecutive league title, could face an unlimited fine or even expulsion from the top tier of English football if found guilty. High-ranking officials at the club have dismissed the allegations against them, and a hearing is now imminent.
The club stands accused of violating Premier League financial regulations over a nine-year span starting in 2009. They are alleged to have failed to provide accurate financial data, with several different charges being brought against them.
In August, Richard Masters, the Premier League chief, stated that it was "time to resolve" the case against City. "It's been going on for a number of years and I think it's self-evident that the case needs to be heard and answered," he said.
"Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with,"the club declared in a statement in February 2023.
This was the same month that the Premier League confirmed that the alleged breaches by City had been referred to a commission.
Pep Guardiola's outfit responded by stating: "The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."
Launched in 2019, the Premier League's investigation into Manchester City's conduct only saw the full list of alleged breaches come to light in 2023. The charges include failing to fully disclose financial remunerations to one manager and not adhering to UEFA's financial fair play regulations over a span of five years.
Sky Sports reports that the hearing is set to last two months, with the independent commission expected to take considerable time to deliberate due to the extensive nature of the allegations.
A verdict is anticipated after the turn of the year, with suggestions indicating that the publication of the ruling may not occur until spring or possibly later.
Should City face sanctions such as a points deduction, they will have the right to appeal, potentially prolonging the legal process even further.
The Premier League, outlining its stance on City in a recent statement, declared: "Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs."
They further explained that commissioners would be selected by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel pursuant to its Rules W. 19, W. 20, and W. 26.
They added: "The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission's final award will be published on the Premier League's website.
"This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice."
