Manchester City issues its first official statement in months regarding the hearing for the 115 charges.

Manchester City has commented on the ongoing hearing concerning the 115 charges brought by the Premier League for the first time in months. The club is accused of violating financial regulations over an extended period, leading to a legal battle with the Premier League since September. The case has now concluded, and the verdict is expected in early 2025.

City vehemently denies all charges and, in a new financial report released on Friday, briefly referenced the case. In their annual review, which highlighted record revenue, the club stated it “welcomes the review of this matter” and urged for an impartial examination of the overwhelming evidence supporting its position.

City also addressed the separate APT (Associated Party Transaction) rules case with the Premier League, which involved challenging what they believed to be “unlawful” regulations. While City won seven key arguments, amendments were not approved after failing to gain enough support from other Premier League clubs in a vote.

Following the closing arguments in the 115 charges case, a three-member panel will now deliberate on the evidence before issuing a verdict in the coming months. If found guilty, City could face significant fines, a points deduction, or even relegation. Both sides will have the option to appeal the decision, which could delay a final ruling.

The 115 charges include:

54 alleged breaches for failing to provide accurate financial information from 2009/10 to 2017/18

35 alleged breaches for not cooperating with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to February 2023

14 alleged breaches for inaccuracies in financial reports related to player and manager compensation from 2009/10 to 2017/18

Seven alleged breaches of profitability and sustainability regulations from 2015/16 to 2017/18

Five alleged breaches of UEFA regulations, including Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play

Though 115 is the reported number of charges, The Times suggests the actual number of alleged breaches is 130, reflecting a correction in the Premier League’s statement.

Despite the ongoing case, Pep Guardiola remains undeterred, having signed a two-year contract and consistently defending the club. “At the moment we are innocent until proven guilty,” Guardiola said in August. “I will wait. After the sentence, we will come here and explain it. But I will absolutely not consider my future if it depends on being here or in League One. There’s more chance I’ll stay if we’re in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”