Manchester City and the Premier League have been given a timeframe for what is poised to be the biggest trial in football history.
Following a four-year investigation, City were hit with alleged 115 charges from the Premier League in February 2023.
The charges, which the club strongly deny, relate to a period between 2009 and 2018.
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In a statement, the Premier League said there was 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".
Recently Everton were hit with a 10-point deduction from the Premier League after being found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play regulations and are in the process of appealing.
Many wonder what the current situation is with City, whose case is entirely different.
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The Daily Mail have said that that the matter will be settled by an independent panel, with a trial "initially scheduled for the late autumn of 2024".
At present, statements are being taken from witnesses" and that will be the case "until next spring".
Premier League chief Richard Masters recently revealed a "date has been set" for City's case but refused to shed any more light.
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A summer 2025 verdict could be on the cards but delays could happen, particularly with likely appeals from either side.
Any outcome will be first announced on the official Premier League website.
Unlike with the case with UEFA which saw a two-year Champions League ban overturned, City would be unable to take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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Lord Pannick KC of Blackstone Chambers represented City on that occasion and City have enlisted his help again.
He typically charges £5000 to £10,000 per hour.
There has been plenty of speculation as to what the punishment for City would be, with former Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves advocating for relegation from the top flight.
Manager Pep Guardiola has regularly defended the club and stressed that he will not be leaving even if they are relegated.
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In a press conference, Guardiola said: "Absolutely, I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One.
"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, Everton, Pep Guardiola
Josh Lawless