Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are all set for a hearing into a slew alleged financial breaches on Monday, September 14. If found guilty, Pep Guardiola's side could face severe punishment, one being expulsion from the league. (More Football News)
City, which has won the last four league titles, has denied the charges, which include providing misleading information about its finances. It will be down to a team of lawyers to clear the club’s name and finally quash accusations that have cast a cloud over its unprecedented period of success.
Ahead of the hearing, manager Guardiola said that he was 'happy' that the hearing will start soon.
“I’m happy it’s starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumors,” he said. “Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven.”
Internet though was full of funny memes and posts about City's 115 charges hearing. Here are some of the best ones -
What Are The Charges?
City were accused by the Premier League in February last year of providing misleading information about its finances over a nine-year period between 2009-18 after it was bought by Abu Dhabi’s ruling family in 2008. City was trying to establish itself as one of the leading clubs in Europe, signed some of the world’s best players like Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne and won three league titles — in 2012, 2014 and 2018.
The league’s financial fair play rules are designed to ensure clubs essentially spend what they earn and commercial deals are assessed for being at legitimate market value.
The charges came after a four-year investigation and following the publication of leaked emails and documents, likely hacked, that were published starting in 2018 by German magazine Der Spiegel.
The documents allegedly showed attempts to cover up the source of City’s income in a bid to comply with Financial Fair Play rules operated by European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League.
City was also accused of breaches relating to its alleged failure to co-operate with the investigation.
Who Will Hold The Hearing About Manchester City's 115 Charges?
The hearing into the charges will be held by an independent commission made up of three judges appointed by a lawyer who chairs the league’s judicial panel. The hearing will be held behind closed doors, and a verdict is not expected until next year.
What Punishment City Can Face If Found Guilty?
Potential punishment for a “serious breach” of the league’s rule book is wide-ranging. Dependent on whether City is found guilty of any of the charges, possible sanctions include a fine, points deduction or in “extreme cases, expulsion from the competition” according to the league’s rules.
In February 2020 City was banned from UEFA competition for two seasons for “serious breaches”, including overstating sponsor revenue and failing to cooperate with investigators.
(With AP inputs)
