The hearings into Manchester City’s 115 charges for breaking various Premier League financial regulations will reportedly get underway next week.
This was reported by Sky Sports on Thursday as the Premier League is set to return to action after the international week.
The reigning Premier League champions have been charged over alleged breaches of financial regulations over a nine-year period. The club have disputed the allegations.
The Premier League allege that the champions broke a number of rules over nine years and failed to provide accurate financial information.
Among the charges is the club’s lack of co-operation in the investigation.
What’s the worst case scenario for City?
City fans look away. Should the club be found guilty, the club could face a massive points deductions, according to reports from the UK.
While they won’t be stripped of their Premier League titles, they face anything from a hefty fine, a 70-80 point deduction, or expulsion from the league.
A guilty verdict will be celebrated by City’s rivals, who could have a much easier road to breaking the Manchester club’s hold on the Premier League title.
A guilty verdict could also lead to manager Pep Guardiola walking out on the club.
As reported by IOL Sport a month ago, Guardiola is entering the final year of his contract as City boss, and has offered no guarantees that he plans to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium to a decade.
"Nine years today in the same club is an eternity," Guardiola said during pre-season. "I want to be sure it's the right decision. Not just for me, for the club, for the players."
When will the verdict be known?
According to Sky Sports, the hearings could take up to two months, with both the Premier League and the club expected to make lengthy legal representations.
IOL Sport