Guardiola, fans await as Man City independent hearing begins

Pep Guardiola and fans await as Manchester City’s independent hearing into alleged Premier League financial regulations breaches began.

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Man City manager Pep Guardiola, in black shirt, looks focused during a match. Guardiola says he's looking forward to City's independent hearing

GUARDIOLA, FANS AWAIT CITY’S FINANCIAL REGULATIONS BREACH HEARING

Furthermore, Guardiola and the club’s fans await City’s alleged financial regulations breach hearing after it started on Monday.

Moreover, Guardiola remained optimistic about the club’s situation amid the hearing’s uncertain outcome.

“An independent panel will decide, and I am looking forward to the decision,” the City manager told a news conference on Friday.

“I am not a lawyer. (Striker) Erling (Haaland) is not a lawyer. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he added.

City was implicated in several charges of breaching Premier League’s financial regulations dating back from 2009 to 2018.

British media dubbed the hearing the “sports trial of the century,” and ESPN reported that it was expected to begin on Monday.

On the other hand, the trial is expected to last for two months.

The final verdict – including any appeal – is expected to be completed by the end of the 2024-25 season.

FINES, PREMIER LEAGUE RELEGATION, POINTS DEDUCTIONS COULD BE SLAPPED ON CITY

Moreover, if City is found guilty of some or all of the charges, it could be fined, relegated from the Premier League, and have points deducted.

Furthermore, City could be blotted with a negative outcome after compiling an impressive record in English history.

The club is revered for winning eight Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, and six League Cups.

Additionally, City has also won one UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup title to its impressive resume.

The club has since been brought by Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.

CITY MANAGER AWARE OF ‘WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO’ IN HEARING

Furthermore, the City manager is aware of “what people are looking forward to” in the hearing.

“We’re going to see,” Guardiola said.

“I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years,” he added.

City is accused of failing to provide accurate financial information and of failing to fully disclose player and manager remuneration.

Incidentally, the club is also being tried for breaches of Premier League and UEFA financial fair play regulations and a failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations.

The hearing put a dark cloud on City’s current Premier League season as the club seeks a fifth title in succession.