S Poddar
Manchester City’s independent commission hearing on charges of allegedly troubling Premier League financial regulations is to take place earlier than anticipated. Set initially for November, The Times understands that the independent commission will assemble between the middle and end of September. The hearing is set to last for around ten weeks, though a decision is expected to be reached only in early 2025.
The club is also facing as many as 115 charges for violating the financial regulations. The accusations have been outright denied by Manchester City, and the club continues to claim innocence for all charges. The Premier League and Manchester City have not responded to the news of the updated timeline.
The paper further states that the decision to hear the case at this late stage was influenced by the conclusion of a completely separate legal challenge that had been taken by Manchester City against the rules surrounding associated party transactions laid down by the Premier League. That case, concerning clubs signing sponsorship or revenue-generating agreements with companies connected to their owners, is due to wrap up within a fortnight.
The legal development has seemed to hasten hearing by the 115 charges, and in case there are no further legal delays, the commission will make its report public at the beginning of 2025. Manchester City would face very serious consequences if they are found guilty, varying from severe points deductions to plausible relegation from the Premier League, but the nature still remains up in the air.
