Pep Guardiola 'looking forward' to decision in Manchester City hearing

Pep Guardiola has welcomed news that Manchester City's long-awaited hearing into alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations is set to begin on Monday.

City are facing 115 charges after being referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year league investigation.

The alleged financial infringements occurred between 2009 and 2018, while City have also been accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation.

City boss Guardiola said: "It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon. An independent panel will decide. I’m looking forward to the decision."

There have been claims City – champions for six of the past seven seasons – could face a heavy points penalty, a severe fine or even expulsion from the competition if found guilty.

The club have denied any wrongdoing and said they have "irrefutable evidence" to prove their case.

It has been reported the hearing could last 10 weeks with a verdict due early next year, although an appeal process could further prolong the affair.

Guardiola, speaking at a press conference to preview Saturday’s home game against Brentford, denied the matter has been a distraction to his squad.

He said: "I don’t talk about it. We are not lawyers. Erling (Haaland) is not a lawyer so we didn’t talk about it. What is going to happen is with the independent panel and we will accept the sentence."

Guardiola is pleased a resolution to the issue is moving closer but stressed, whatever the opinions of people externally, the club should be considered innocent until it is proved otherwise.

He said: "I’m happy it starts on Monday and I know there will be more rumours about the sentences that come up and we’re going to see.

"I know what people are looking for, I know what