New report reveals specific start date for Manchester City’s Premier League showdown over 115 charges

A specific start date for the hearing over Manchester City’s 115 Premier League charges has now been revealed in a new report on the situation this week.

The understanding regarding a confirmed date for the trial coincides with fresh comments from the Premier League Chief Executive Officer, Richard Masters, who was quizzed on the matter at a launch event ahead of the start of the new campaign this weekend.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Sport, Richard Masters admitted that he now thinks “it is time now for the case to resolve itself”.

On whether the case casts a shadow over the league, he continued, “It’s been going on for a number of years and I think it’s self-evident that the case needs to be heard and answered.”

However, despite the emergence of a specific date in new reports this week, Masters clarified that he “could not confirm” a specific date himself of Manchester City’s hearing. He continued, “When the case has been heard there will be a decision published and all the questions you would like me to answer will be answered as part of that process.”

Despite Masters’ secrecy on the matter, a new report has highlighted a date in the calendar for next month, when Manchester City will be well underway with yet another Premier League title defence, and pursuit of a fifth consecutive top-flight crown.

According to the information of ESPN’s James Olley, Manchester City’s hearing over their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules is set to start on September 16, with the independent panel hearing anticipated to last approximately two months.

The report explains that the aim is to reach a final verdict – including any potential appeal – by the end of the upcoming 2024/25 season, with the case also having been brought forward with November originally tipped as being the start date.

ESPN have also pointed out that both the Premier League and Manchester City declined to comment when contacted regarding the matter.

Elsewhere, and in an entirely separate legal case, Manchester City are taking action against the Premier League over their tightened rules on ‘fair’ sponsorship deals, with CEO Richard Masters stating he was unable to comment as the processes were “entirely confidential”.

BBC Sport have however reported that the result of the case is expected in the next few weeks.

Manchester City have remained strong in their belief that they have done nothing wrong in relation to the Premier League’s 115 charges issued on the Etihad Stadium club, and have maintained the same statement issued upon first release of the charges in February 2023.

A statement rom the Premier League champions said at the time, “Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”