What are the 115 charges against Manchester City? Details of the case set to start on Monday

The keenly anticipated hearing of the alleged 115 charges against Manchester City is all set to commence on Monday. The reigning Premier League champions were accused of violating Premier League’s financial regulations over nine years. The Premier League officially entered into the investigations in February 2023. An independent commission will now be set to undertake the tedious process which can have massive ramifications for English and world football.

Manchester City was taken over by the royal family of the United Arab Emirates in 2008. Since then, the Mancunian club has become a powerhouse in Europe, contesting with the traditional elites for silverware. Manchester City has been able to attract the best talents and has arguably the best project in football right now. Under the Middle Eastern reign, City has won eight Premier League titles as well as a Champions League. Financial breaches have always been a speculation around the club’s success and football fans are now wondering what could the hearing have in store for Manchester City.

What are the accusations against Manchester City?

The majority of the details regarding the case are still not public but the alleged period of the violations has been termed from 2009 to 2018. The club, reportedly, failed to accurately disclose information about its financial activities and incorrectly disclosed the financial remunerations to one of its managers during this nine-year term. Manchester City’s management also failed to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigations into the matter.

The Cityzens won the Premier League twice between 2009 and 2018. Inevitably, conclusions have been drawn to the unauthorized victories. Manchester City’s current success is based on the foundations in the early 2010s. In 2020, Manchester City was also charged by UEFA for falsely inflating sponsorship revenues.

What could be the consequences for the club?

The soccer community is eager to learn about the repercussions for Manchester City if the verdict returns as guilty. Considering the magnitude of the accusations, sporting punishments are not ruled out. Premier League has already handed points deductions to Everton and Nottingham Forest and the same could be the case for the four-time defending champions. Although economic penalties are the most likely scenario, one cannot rule out several key players leaving if the club is handed harsher sanctions.

Also Read: What Are the Financial Fair Play (FFP) Rules and Regulations? How Does It Work?

When is the verdict expected?

The hearing in the case is scheduled to begin on September 16, 2024. Manchester City will be taken to court on the back of 115 violations which will require a laborious effort from all parties. According to experts, the hearing is expected to stretch for at least two months with a final decision not forecasted till the summer of next year. Until then, normal proceedings will be carried out on the football pitch.

The team’s fans will hope the tension around the situation will not affect the morale and the mood in the dressing room. Manchester City will be undergoing a long 2024/25 season and the potential outcome of the case can have unwanted reactions.

What are the views of the club and Pep Guardiola?

“Of course, it’s frustrating. I think the reference is always frustrating, I can feel, of course, for our fan base”, were the words of Manchester City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak earlier this year. City released an official statement in February 2023, exhibiting surprise and denying all the allegations. At the same time, the club’s officials said they welcomed investigations and were eager to put an end to the matter once and for all.

Pep Guardiola has always stressed his confidence in the management and is ready to witness how the hearing unfolds. “I am happy it starts soon and hopefully it finishes soon for the benefit of all of us, I wish from deep in my heart to go to the trial, the independent panel – and I say it again, independent panel – and as soon as possible release what happened, and we will accept like always we have done.” Guardiola‘s views outline the calmness in the locker room currently.

Can Manchester City appeal if found guilty?

Yes, Manchester City and the Premier League can appeal the decision, if it goes against their respective best interests. Murray Rosen KC, the chair of the Premier League’s judicial panel will form a three-man commission for the original hearing. He will be able to choose a different panel if either of the two parties reaches out for a second hearing which will further delay the judgement and the consequent actions.