There has been a huge development in the pending legal battle between Manchester City and the Premier League.
The hearing for City’s alleged 115 breaches of financial regulations is expected to take place in November.
City were charged following a four-year investigation, having been accused of breaking regulations over a nine-year period between the seasons of 2009/10 and 2017/18.
They are also alleged to have failed to provide accurate financial information and failing to co-operate with the investigation.
The champions strenuously deny all charges and last week, in an unprecedented move, began the process of taking legal action against the Premier League.
In a 165-page document, City argue that Associated Party Transaction (APT) rulesare are unlawful.
A private two-week hearing will take place for that matter, with the outcome potentially having a bearing on the second case.
But it’s emerged, as per The Times, that senior figures from the Premier League must disclose multiple forms of communication dating back to 2009 when the investigation began.
Text messages and emails mentioning or referencing City must be handed over for the independent commission to analyse.
Image: Getty
The ruling applies to current Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the man who was in the role before him, Richard Scudamore, among others.
In a previous report, The Times said that the Premier League’s legal bills have risen from £5 million to £20 million in the past year as they fork out on fees to go against City.
However, City are also splashing out and The Lawyer reports that Lord Pannick KC of Blackstone Chambers, typically charges between £5000 and £10,000 per hour.
Pannick has successfully represented City on two occasions, including in the case versus UEFA in 2020.
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Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League