They have addressed the charges.
Manchester City have broken their silence on the 115 charges hearing with the Premier League with their first official statement in months.
City have been accused of breaching financial regulations over an extended period and have been in a legal battle with the Premier League since September.
The hearing has now concluded and the verdict on the case is expected to arrive in early 2025.
The club strenuously denied all charges against them and today (Friday 13 December) City referred the case for the first time in months in a new financial report.
In the club’s annual review where they celebrated record revenue City said: “We welcome the review of this matter… to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.”
City have commented on the separate APT rules case with the Premier League, which saw them challenge the top brass on what they believed to be ‘unlawful’ regulations in place.
Although City were victorious in seven of their key arguments, the amendments were not approved after City were unsuccessful in achieving support from 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs in the vote.
After closing arguments were completed in the 115 charges case, a three-man panel will now consider the evidence before delivering the outcome in the coming months, with a decision expected in February.
If City are found guilty, a range of punishments have been touted including huge fines, points deductions or even relegation.
However, a final decision could be months away since both sides will be able to appeal against the verdict.
According to The Times, the number of alleged breaches is 130.
While there are no additional charges, it is reported to be a correction from the Premier League on their statement.
The charges include failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information, failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations, failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation, Breaches of Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations and failure to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations.
Yesterday it was reported that several City stars had consulted their agents to discuss their options as a verdict draws closer and in light of their poor on-pitch performance.
Pep Guardiola however has signed a two-year contract, undeterred by the looming charges.
In August he said: “At the moment we are innocent until it is proved we are guilty I know the people want it. I know, I feel it.
“I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it.
“But absolutely I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One. Absolutely. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”
