After several years of collating evidence, the hearing began yesterday and will continue for the next few months as both sides present their evidence. Whilst the hearing has now started, it is not expected that any findings from the independent commission will be heard until next spring and with the legal world’s proclivity for delay, there is a chance it could be even later than that. There is also a strong likelihood that should Manchester City be found guilty of any breaches that they would appeal any outcome, which could extend the process of punishment. How did this case come about? In 2018, a German outlet called Der Spiegel published a series of articles in which they had conducted an investigation which was based on the work of a Portuguese computer hacker Rui Pinto. Pinto had hacked into the email accounts of various football clubs and agents. UEFA then conducted their own investigation based on this. It was after this investigation that the Premier League announced in February 2023 that it was bringing a case as well. What are the potential punishments? There is much discourse on this, as the alleged breaches are on a scale that is Manchester City’s Court Hearing Begins 8 LAWYER MONTHLY OCTOBER 2024 NEWS On Monday 16th September, the hearing began for Manchester City Football Club’s alleged 115 breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP). Manchester City have been alleged to have breached the Premier League’s FFP rules resulting in 115 charges being levied against them. These alleged breaches took place over nine years from 2009 until 2018. Throughout this process, Manchester City have denied all charges against them and has organised a strong legal team in order to provide a defence.
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