- Manchester City's hearing over 115 alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches has concluded, and a verdict is now awaited
- The charges, covering 2009–2018, accuse City of financial misreporting, non-compliance, and failure to cooperate, with possible penalties including fines or relegation
- If found guilty, appeals could delay the final outcome until the 2025/26 season, potentially leaving an asterisk on City’s remarkable achievements
Premier League champions Manchester City’s long-standing legal battle over alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches has reached a critical milestone.
According to reports, the hearing concerning 115 charges against the club concluded some days ago. A three-man panel is now tasked with meticulously reviewing the evidence before delivering a verdict in the coming months, marking a significant step in what many have dubbed “The Trial of the Century.”
The charges, which span from 2009 to 2018, have cast a shadow over the reigning Premier League champions’ illustrious achievements. City stands accused of failing to provide accurate financial disclosures regarding player and managerial payments, violating Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and non-compliance with UEFA’s FFP regulations.
Additionally, the club allegedly failed to cooperate with investigations between December 2018 and February 2023.
While City strongly denies any wrongdoing, the ramifications of a guilty verdict could be severe. Potential penalties range from substantial fines and points deductions to the unthinkable prospect of relegation from England’s top flight.
City’s dominance in English football coincided with the timeline under scrutiny. Between 2009 and 2023, the club clinched multiple Premier League titles and established itself as a football powerhouse. However, critics argue that such success may come with an asterisk if City is found guilty of breaching financial regulations.
Pep Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year contract extension as manager, has publicly defended the club. When asked whether he would remain in charge if City were relegated due to the charges, Guardiola emphatically reminded reporters that the club is “innocent until guilt is proved.”
Notably, the initial 115 charges have reportedly expanded to 130 due to administrative issues. This expansion further complicates an already contentious battle, with both City and the Premier League likely to appeal should the final verdict not be in their favour. Such appeals could prolong the case until as late as the 2025/26 season, leaving fans and club stakeholders in limbo.
Manchester City’s transformation from a mid-table club to a football dynasty has been nothing short of extraordinary. However, the current allegations threaten to overshadow their triumphs, placing the club’s integrity under intense scrutiny.
“I don’t believe in the charges,” Arsène Wenger on Manchester City’s trial
Previously, TheRadar reported that the ongoing legal battle involving Manchester City and the Premier League over 115 alleged financial breaches has gripped the football world.
As the charges hearing stretches on, Arsène Wenger has shared his thoughts, calling for a complete overhaul of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. Wenger argued that the current system in the Premier League is outdated and in dire need of reform.
