Man City and Premier League agree date for blockbuster trial amid 115 FFP allegations
Man City have been slapped with 115 FFP charges by the Premier League
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Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed a date for their trial amid allegations of 115 Financial Fair Play breaches.
Earlier this year, the Premier League accused Pep Guardiola's side of breaking financial regulations - having opened an investigation in 2018.
City immediately denied any wrongdoing, saying in a statement: "Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
"The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
Man City have been slapped with 115 Premier League charges - but the club deny any wrongdoing
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"As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."
Now, according to the Daily Mail, a trial is due to take place in late autumn of next year.
Dubbed the 'trial of the century', it is claimed that a conclusion may not immediately follow until the end of next season.
Intriguingly, that is when Guardiola's contract with the club is due to expire.
The process is reportedly at the stage where statements are being taken by witnesses - which is primed to remain the case until next spring.
Should the trial go ahead on time, a verdict is likely to be delivered in the summer of 2025.
There is a possibility of delays, however.
And City could appeal the final decision if they believe the eventual outcome becomes 'unpalatable'.
The club are accused of breaching 115 regulations over 14 seasons, starting from the 2009/2010 campaign.
Charges include claims over financial reporting and a lack of co-operation with the Premier League's investigation.
The allegations have, in the eyes of some, tarnished some of City's success in recent years - despite being unproven.
They won the treble last term, emulating fierce rivals Manchester United in the process.
City, if found guilty of any wrongdoing, could face a huge points deduction.
Everton were recently docked 10 points on just one charge of FFP breaches.
And City could also potentially be relegated, too, while there's been talk of the club potentially being stripped of titles.
Guardiola was recently asked about the 115 charges against City.
The Spaniard said: “They decided to bring a regulation to make football more equal and laws must be respected.
“We are under scrutiny and I’m a big fan of following the rules properly.
"If you do something wrong, you must be punished.
"If Uefa and Fifa decide on having FFP I support that completely.
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola has opened up on the 115 FFP charges against the club
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“[Let’s] wait until the sentence [judgment].
“I know [some] are in a hurry but I know what happened with Uefa. Just wait.
"We are innocent and people have to know we are innocent until the sentence.”
And when asked if he'd consider his future at the club in the event of a guilty verdict, Guardiola added: "A good question.
"I will answer when I have the sentence. You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved.
"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."
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