Frustration grows among Premier League clubs over Manchester City’s 115 charges trial secrecy | OneFootball

A new report has claimed there is growing frustration from within the Premier League over the secrecy that looms over Manchester City’s 115 charges and the ongoing trial.

Proceedings over the 115 charges and the battle between the Premier League and Manchester City began on Monday, with their respective legal heavyweights going head-to-head at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in the city of London.

Manchester City are armed with some of the finest legal minds in the industry, and have turned to familiar names and faces from their successful battle with UEFA in July 2020, which overturned a two-year ban from European competition.

Among those representing the Premier League champions are the likes of Lord Pannick KC and Paul Harris KC of Blackstone Chambers and Monckton Chambers respectively – both of whom were spotted arriving in London on day one of the hearing.

But while it has taken well over a year to get to the point of evidence and cases being heard in front of an independent commission, details surrounding the case and what is said will remain private, in a development that is reportedly ‘frustrating’ top-flight clubs.

That is according to the information of The Telegraph’s Jeremy Wilson, who reports that the Premier League is facing frustration from clubs over the cloak of secrecy that surrounds the trial into Manchester City’s 115 alleged rules breaches.

It is detailed that Manchester City’s hearing – which started on Monday – is confidential and being privately held in front of an unnamed three-person commission in accordance with Section W of the league’s rules.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has consistently called for patience from clubs and senior football officials eager to find a resolution to the matter, amid claims of a belief from within the game that the Etihad Stadium club are indeed guilty of numerous wrongdoings.

“It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon,” Pep Guardiola said during a recent Manchester City press conference, as his focus remains solely on football matters on the field. “I am looking forward to the decision,” he continued.

“I’m happy it’s starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We’re going to see,” Guardiola insisted.

“I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years. Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we’ll see.”

The current expectation is that Manchester City, the Premier League, and all those awaiting a final resolution to the matter will understand a verdict by early 2025, although appeals from either side are likely, according to various quarters.