Manchester City's sporting century trial begins

An independent hearing into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules by Manchester City begins on Monday, in what British media have called the “sports trial of the century”. A three-member panel will examine evidence over 10 weeks, with a verdict expected before the end of the season. The charges include the club’s failure to provide accurate financial information, under-reporting players’ wages and breaching Financial Fair Play rules. If convicted, City could face sanctions including huge fines, points deductions or even relegation from the Premier League, tarnishing one of the club’s most successful periods. Manager Pep Guardiola has said he is confident the club will be innocent until proven guilty.