‘Top-secret’ location of Manchester City’s Premier League battle over 115 charges revealed in new report | OneFootball

The location of Manchester City and the Premier League’s head-to-head over the infamous 115 charges of alleged rule breaches has now been revealed in a new report.

The hearing into the Premier League champions’ 115 charges for alleged breaches of the English top-flight’s financial rules began on Monday, having been first referred to an independent commission in February 2023.

It is alleged by the Premier League that their four-time successive champions of their division breached its financial rules between 2009 and 2018, whilst City strongly deny all charges and have stated that their case is supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”.

As for the Premier League, they claim that Manchester City breached rules requiring the club to provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position”, whilst also accusing them of not co-operating.

Secrecy has shrouded over the now-ongoing trial in front of an independent commission, including the location of the hearing which is at the centre of one of the most powerful battles ever witnessed in sport.

Now, according to a new report from MailSport, it is revealed that Manchester City’s trial is being held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, a two-minute walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The report makes reference to the centre’s eye-watering prices, with sandwiches setting back suitors £13.95, with ‘refreshments’ costing £11.95. Buffet food, both hot or cold, is also available but will cost £35.

Booking out the main room in the building reportedly starts at £1,125 per day and can reach £4,845, according to The Daily Mail.

Across the course of Monday, photographs have been emerging showcasing many of Manchester City’s legal representatives arriving to challenge the Premier League on their 115 charges.

In photos provided by The Lawyer magazine, Lord Pannick KC – representing Manchester City against the Premier League – was the first lawyer to arrive, accompanied by Blackstone Chambers senior clerk Gary Oliver.

Serle Court’s team, also representing Manchester City against the Premier League, were also spotted arriving in central London, whilst The Lawyer magazine reported that the Premier League’s legal team “kept a lower profile” appearing to have “slipped in a side door”.

The appearance before an independent commission is anticipated to last around 10 weeks, with a verdict on the matter due in early 2025. Some have also suggested that in the likely event of an appeal, a decision will still be released before the end of the ongoing season.