The Premier League and Manchester City have agreed a date for the independent panel which will deliver a judgement on the 115 charges the reigning champions face.
City were hit with the charges earlier this year after a five-year investigation into alleged breaches of financial regulations. Both the Premier League and City have remained tight-lipped on the situation ever since the charges were handed down back in February.
According to the Daily Mail, a date for the case to be heard has been set for the late autumn of 2024. A verdict is unlikely to be delivered until the end of next season in the summer of 2025, when boss Pep Guardiola’s contract is due to expire.
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It is thought that statements from witnesses are currently being taken ahead of the trial next year. Delays could of course push the current trial date back, while it is likely appeals will also be made when the verdict is delivered.
City are accused of breaching 115 regulations over the course of 14 seasons from the start of the 2009/2010 campaign. They include claims over financial reporting and a lack of co-operation with the Premier League’s investigation.
The champions have denied any wrongdoing, with boss Guardiola recently hitting out at those who want City punished. He also insisted he would remain at the Etihad Stadium, even if City were found guilty of the charges.
“We are innocent until guilt is proved,” he said before last weekend’s draw with Liverpool. “I know the people want it [City punished]. I know, I feel it. I will wait and see, and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain.
“Absolutely, I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”
The Premier League announced the charges in February in an explosive statement that laid out the full list of charges. League chiefs insisted that the following commission would be fully independent.
“In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4,” a statement read.
“Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
“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.”
City immediately hit back with an extraordinary statement of their own. The reigning champions insisted they had been left surprised by the charges being presented.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
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