It is expected that the formal hearing with the independent commission will go on for up to two months, with both the Premier League and City to make lengthy legal representations, outlining their case.
The independent commission will then go away and consider all the evidence before making their decision. That process is expected to take several months because of the volume of charges, and the amount of information to be reviewed.
Therefore, it could be March – or later – before a decision by the commission is made public. As soon as they have reached their conclusion, it will be published.
Even then, if the commission decide City are guilty of some or all of the charges against them, the club would likely appeal that decision, which would further delay the imposition of any sanctions or points deductions.
When the charges were first announced in February 2023, City said they were “surprised” by the Premier League’s allegations.
As well as expressing their surprise at the charges, City also claimed to have provided “extensive engagement” and a “vast amount of detailed materials” to the Premier League’s investigation.
“Manchester City FC 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,” they said in a statement at the time.
“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.”
