Man City fight to avoid severe sanctions as ‘trial of the century’ begins

Manchester City will fight to avoid potential expulsion from the Premier League for financial breaches as sport’s ‘trial of the century’ begins on Monday.

Premier League champions City have been charged with 115 alleged breaches of the competition’s financial regulations.

City deny any wrongdoing and have said they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to clear their name.

But if they are found guilty, they could face a range of punishments, including a severe points penalty or even be kicked out of the Premier League.

Everton and Nottingham Forest were both hit by points deductions last season for single breaches of the league’s profit and sustainability rules.

With City winning eight league titles since 2012, including six of the last seven, a guilty verdict could prompt a slew of compensation claims from rival top-flight clubs.

City’s financial affairs have come under regular scrutiny since their takeover by Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.

If the verdict goes against City, there is potential for strained diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, where Mansour is a deputy prime minister.

The hearing, which is not a court case, will be heard by an independent commission at an undisclosed location and could take 10 weeks to complete.

The commission is formed of three members selected by Murray Rosen, who chairs the Premier League’s judicial panel.

A verdict is not expected to be announced until 2025, with City likely to appeal if they are found guilty.

Of the 115 charges, 80 are for breaches of the regulations between 2009 and 2018, while a further 35 relate to failing to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.

The root of suspicion comes from leaked