Manchester City will face the consequences sooner than expected as their hearing into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations has reportedly been brought forward to next month.
Originally scheduled for November, the independent commission will now meet in mid- to late September, with a verdict expected to be issued in early 2025, according to The times.
The decision to speed up the hearing follows a separate legal battle launched by City against Premier League rules on sponsorship and revenue deals with companies linked to club owners.
The outcome of this case, expected in the next two weeks, has paved the way for the hearing to begin sooner, barring further legal delays.
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What punishment could Manchester City face if found guilty?
Manchester City, owned by City Football Group (CFG), a holding company majority-owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, has been accused of breaching financial regulations and rules over a period stretching from 2009 to 2023.
The club has denied all charges but the stakes are high. If found guilty, City could face severe penalties, including points deductions and even the possibility of relegation from the Premier League.
As the hearing approaches, both City and the Premier League have remained silent with no official comment from either side. The football world is anxiously awaiting how this high-stakes drama will play out.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s City will now focus on building on their Community Shield win and starting their Premier League campaign on a positive note against Chelsea on Sunday.
