Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has spoken out on Manchester City’s 115 charges hearing after its likely start date was confirmed.
According to ESPN, the hearing is set to start on September 16 and is expected to continue for around two months. However, a final decision, including any possible appeals, is not anticipated until after the 2024/25 season concludes.
The Premier League initially charged Manchester City in February 2023 with 115 counts of regulatory breaches, following a five-year investigation into the club. These charges pertain to a 14-season span starting from 2009/10 and involve multiple alleged violations, all of which City firmly denies.
City faces 54 charges for not providing accurate information, 14 charges for inaccurate details regarding player and manager payments, seven charges for violating the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, five charges for not adhering to UEFA regulations including financial fair play, and 35 charges for failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations since 2018.
City asserts they have “irrefutable evidence” to back their defense, and the issue will be resolved in an upcoming hearing conducted by an independent panel.
Premier League chief executive Masters emphasized the need to resolve the dispute promptly for the benefit of the league, stating, “It’s been ongoing for several years, and it’s time for the case to be resolved.”
He also highlighted the significance of the legal dispute, noting, “It does matter. It creates uncertainty and frustration.”
However, there is no alternative to enforcing the rules, which everyone has agreed upon.
“They have looked each other in the eye, shaken hands, and agreed to abide by these rules. Therefore, the Premier League must enforce them.
“Any resulting difficulties or frustrations are part of safeguarding the integrity and core values of the Premier League competition.”
The Sun reports that if City is found guilty of breaching Premier League rules, they could face various penalties, including fines, points deductions, or even relegation.
At the same time, City is involved in a separate legal dispute with the League regarding its associated party transaction (APT) rules. The Times suggests that a ruling in this case might be made within the next two weeks, potentially accelerating the hearing for the 115 charges.
