Man City's defence over finance claims kicks off

THE landmark legal battle between the Premier League and Manchester City over 115 allegations that the club broke financial rules began yesterday behind closed doors in London.

- Chris Riches

The champions were charged by the league in February 2023 after a long probe into claims printed by German magazine Der Spiegel in 2018.

The club denies any wrongdoing and says it has a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence". Lord Pannick KC is leading its legal team at the private hearing in London's International Dispute Resolution Centre.

It could last 10 weeks and the independent commission's verdict is not expected until 2025. One football finance expert claims City may face a points loss of "60, 80, 100 points".

Kieran Maguire, a University Of Liverpool lecturer, said verdicts on other clubs would suggest a "major breach" by City if it broke the rules.