• Loading stock data...
Saturday, June 21, 2025

Manchester City’s ‘Sports Trial of the Century’ Begins in London

  • An independent hearing began Monday in London on 115 alleged financial breaches by the Premier League giant.
  • The club denies the charges and a final decision is expected next year.
Manchester City FC crest across the field at Etihad Stadium
Manchester City FC

The sanctity of arguably the most dominant run in Premier League history is now formally up for judgment. 

Manchester City, four-time defending champion of England’s top flight of men’s pro soccer and winner of six of the last seven titles, began Monday to formally face charges for 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, including providing misleading information about its finances. Nearly three dozen of the 115 charges relate to claims of the club failing to cooperate with league officials between 2018 and 2023. The accusations have been brewing for several years, and led to the team being formally charged early last year by an independent commission of the Premier League.

Proceedings started Monday in London before a three-person independent panel in what has been dubbed in the British press as “the sports trial of the century.” Potential penalties range from fines and standings points deductions to relegation from the Premier League. But any finding of guilt would greatly sour the historic run of success by Manchester City, including the unprecedented championship four-peat.

Team Response

Manchester City, the flagship club of ownership entity City Football Group Ltd., has steadfastly denied the charges. The independent hearing is expected to last about two months, and it is hoped the matter, including any appeals, will be resolved before the conclusion of the current Premier League season in the spring. 

“An independent panel will decide, and I am looking forward to the decision. I’m happy it’s starting,” said Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola. “I know there will be more rumors, new specialists about the sentences. We’re going to see. … Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven, so we’ll see. Justice is there in modern democracy. It’s not more complicated than that. We believe we have not done anything wrong.”

As this issue unfolds, the club remains its usual self on the field, winning each of its first four games this season and leading the current Premier League standings.

Financial fair play (FFP) regulations, a fixture of European pro soccer since the global financial crisis of 2008–2009, are designed in part to prevent clubs from spending more than they earn. However, the full efficacy of those rules remains a matter of some debate as many of those European leagues are still dominated in the standings by a small handful of powerful clubs. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How Mark Walter’s Dodgers Playbook Could Rewrite Lakers’ Future

The owner’s tenure with the MLB club has been lined with success.

Hockey’s Best Player Enters Contract Year Noncommittal About Future

The superstar becomes a free agent next year absent a contract extension.
John Fisher

A’s Owner John Fisher Eyes MLS Exit Ahead of Billion-Dollar Vegas Project

The Earthquakes owner said he had hired a bank for a sale.

Featured Today

Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.
June 6, 2025

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.

Pac-12 Still Playing Conference Tetris As Realignment Heats Up

Sacramento State is leaving the Big Sky for the Big West.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after scoring a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Connecticut Sun, 88-71.
June 18, 2025

Caitlin Clark ‘Celebrates’ Chance at $500K Commissioner’s Cup Prize

The winning team shares a $500,000 prize pool.
June 19, 2025

Fire Rekindled? WNBA’s Portland Expansion Team Eyes Original Name

WNBA trademarks hint at Portland Fire revival as league expands and honors history.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
June 18, 2025

Dana White’s Next Frontier: Making Jiu-Jitsu Mainstream

The TKO Group Holdings–owned competition expands once again.
Club World Cup
June 18, 2025

Club World Cup Attendance Plummets for Weekday Games: 3,700 in Orlando, ‘Almost..

Chelsea’s manager bemoaned an “almost empty” stadium in Atlanta.
June 18, 2025

Premier League Embraces NFL-Style Flex Scheduling for 2025–26

The league warns of additional games “moving at relatively short notice.”
Sophie Cunningham
June 18, 2025

Fever and Sun Hit With Tiny Fines After Wild Melee

WNBA coaches have long complained about a lack of transparency in fines.