September 13, (THEWILL) – Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola, has expressed his satisfaction that the club’s long-awaited hearing regarding 115 charges brought by the English Premier League is set to begin on Monday.
The charges include 80 breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018, and 35 instances of failing to cooperate with an EPL investigation.
The English champions are accused of not providing accurate financial information during the period in question, including details about revenue from sponsors and salaries of managers and players. City has strongly denied any wrongdoing, with Guardiola consistently supporting the club’s position when questioned about the charges.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola stated his hope for a swift conclusion to the proceedings. He acknowledged the potential for increased speculation and commentary surrounding the case but emphasised the principle of innocence until proven guilty. The hearing is expected to last at least two months, with a decision not anticipated until 2025.
If found guilty of some or all charges, City could face severe penalties, including a significant points deduction or even expulsion from the top flight. Since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008, the club has become a dominant force in English football, winning eight of the last 13 EPL titles, including four consecutive championships in recent seasons.
The League initially brought the charges in February 2023, but there has been a lengthy delay before the case could proceed to an independent commission. During this time, City have continued their success on the field, winning two more League titles and their first UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
