Premier League and Manchester City legal representatives decline to comment following day one of 115 charges trial | OneFootball

Representatives of both the Premier League and Manchester City remained silent upon leaving day one of the ‘trial of the century’, it has been reported.

Manchester City’s legal heavyweights have finalised day one of their defence of the four-time successive Premier League champions over the club’s 115 charges on alleged breaches of the division’s financial rules.

The Premier League first charged Manchester City following a four-year investigation back in February 2023, referring the club to an independent commission over alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018.

It also accused Manchester City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018, whilst the club responded at the time to state that they were “surprised” by the charges and are supported by a “body of irrefutable evidence”.

But while many clubs are reportedly growing frustrated around the secrecy of the trial, with no details expected to be made public up until the final decision is heard, legal representatives on the ground coming into contact with sports media are remaining silent too.

According to the reporting of MailSport, Lord Pannick KC – who is representing Manchester City – declined to comment when leaving the hearing on day one at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London on Monday.

Additionally, it is pointed out that Adam Lewis KC – who is acting for the Premier League – also remained silent following the first day of proceedings over Manchester City’s 115 charges of alleged breaches of financial rules.

The hearing in its entirety is reportedly expected to last around 10 weeks, which would take us through towards early December. Speaking on the subject of the trial during a recent press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was happy that proceedings had begun.

“It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon. I am looking forward to the decision,” Guardiola said recently. “I’m happy it’s starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences.

“We’re going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years. Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we’ll see.”