What is City accused of?
An independent investigation commissioned by the Premier League showed in February last year that City had breached the league's regulations on several occasions between 2009-2018. This concerns a total of 115 points, mainly related to financial rule breaches.
Certain British media reports claim that an additional 15 points may be added. The allegations of failing to cooperate with the league's investigation extend until 2023.
How will it proceed?
An independent panel consisting of three people, appointed by the chairman of the league's judicial division, will conduct the hearings.
Great secrecy surrounds this. AP writes that it will take place behind closed doors, and according to The Guardian, it is likely to take place in London.
How long will it take?
A verdict is expected next year. There are different reports on when it will happen. According to ESPN, the goal is to have a verdict by the end of this season, while The Times writes that the verdict may come as early as the beginning of next year.
What can the penalty be?
If City is convicted, fines, point deductions, or relegation from the Premier League are possible penalties, according to AP. During the period in question – 2009-2018 – the club won the English league three times. According to The Guardian, City may be stripped of these titles.
What does City say?
City denies all allegations. Coach Pep Guardiola has been asked several times about his view on the situation. Ahead of Saturday's Premier League match, he told AP:
I'm glad it starts on Monday. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
The Spaniard has repeatedly said that he is convinced that many clubs want City to be punished.
Can City appeal?
In February 2020, City was banned from European cup competitions for two years and fined over 310 million kronor for breaching the European Football Association's (Uefa) financial rules. This was then appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), which chose to go against Uefa's decision. City was allowed to participate in European cup competitions, and the fine was reduced.
According to BBC, City cannot appeal a final verdict to Cas this time. Both parties can, however, appeal and get a new hearing with a new independent panel.
An independent investigation commissioned by the Premier League showed in February 2023 that City had breached the league's regulations on 115 points during the period 2009-2018. During that period, City won the English league three times.
City denies any wrongdoing, and an investigation of the club begins on Monday. A verdict is expected to come sometime next year.
Premier League accuses Manchester City of breaching the following 115 points:
54 points: Failed to provide correct financial information.
35 points: Failed to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation.
14 points: Failed to provide correct information for payments to players and coaches.
7 points: Breached the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
5 points: Failed to comply with Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules.
Source: BBC
