MAN CITY'S 115-COUNT HEARING CONCLUDED, VERDICT AWAITED

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Manchester City’s long-awaited hearing into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules has concluded, according to reports on Monday, though a verdict is not expected until 2025.

The Daily Mail reported that closing arguments in the case, which began on 16 September at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre, were delivered to an independent panel on Friday.

City strongly deny any wrongdoing but could face severe sanctions if found guilty, including relegation from the Premier League.

Last season, Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for breaching the league’s profit and sustainability regulations.

The English champions are accused of 80 financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, alongside 35 charges of failing to cooperate with a Premier League investigation.

Since Sheikh Mansour, a member of the UAE royal family, took over in 2008, Manchester City have become a dominant force in English football, winning eight of the last 13 Premier League titles, including four consecutive crowns.

They also lifted their first Champions League trophy in 2023.

However, these achievements have been clouded by allegations, with rival fans often referencing the charges against the club.

The Premier League filed the charges in February 2023, but the case has taken time to reach the independent commission.

City are accused of failing to provide accurate financial information from 2009 to 2018, including revenue from sponsorships and salary details for managers and players.

Additional charges relate to alleged breaches of both UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.

Even if found guilty, the club is expected to appeal the decision, potentially delaying sanctions further.

On the pitch, Pep Guardiola’s team is experiencing a dip in form, with just one win from their last nine games in all competitions.

AFP