Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed a date for what is set to be one of the biggest trials in football history.
The Daily Mail claim the Premier League and City have agreed a date at which they will face off in front of an independent panel over the club's alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) rule breaches.
City were charged with 115 alleged breaches of FFP regulations in February following a four-year investigation.
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The Premier League said the breaches referred to a requirement to provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position" in particular its "revenue", "sponsorship revenue" and "operating costs".
At the time, City announced their "surprise" at the Premier League's statement and denied the charges.
The club also insisted there is "irrefutable evidence" to prove their innocence.
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The Daily Mail has reported that the matter will be settled by an independent panel with the date for the trial "initially scheduled for the late autumn of 2024".
"Those with knowledge of the situation believe that a conclusion may not follow until the end of next season - which is when City boss Pep Guardiola's current contract is due to expire," added the report.
The news will come as a blow to City's main title rivals this season, Liverpool and Arsenal.
With the trial set to be delayed, it will have no bearing on the title race - with any potential punishment for City, if they are found guilty, to come further down the line.
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It is claimed the process is at the stage "where statements are being taken from witnesses" and will remain the case "until next spring".
Should the trial go ahead as scheduled, a verdict is likely to be announced in the summer of 2025.
Delays could push the proceedings back further, with an appeal from City or the Premier League likely if they are dissatisfied with its outcome.
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However, they would be unable to take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where City successfully had their UEFA Champions League ban overturned.
The report comes just weeks after Everton were handed a 10-point deduction by the Premier League for breaching financial rules, which the club is planning to appeal.
City manager Guardiola recently claimed that everyone outside of the club wants to see the Treble-winners punished.
"We are innocent until guilt is proved," he said earlier this month.
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"I know the people want it (City punished). I know, I feel it. I will wait and see, and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain."
Guardiola is out of contract in the summer of 2025 but has insisted he will remain with City even if they were found guilty and relegated as punishment.
"Absolutely, I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One," Guardiola said. "There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League."
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Rory O'Callaghan