The ‘trial of the century’ for Manchester City begins today, as the alleged financial doping case against the dominant football force in the country unfolds. City’s record-breaking success and amassed titles are at stake, with a verdict not expected until early next year. If City lose, their achievements will be irrevocably tainted.

The club faces 115 charges, including allegations of subverting regulations and providing inaccurate financial information to the Premier League. City has denied all charges and expressed willingness to clear its name, citing a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their case. However, questions will arise regarding the Premier League’s ability to enforce its financial regulations if City successfully clears their name.

Allegations of financial wrongdoing surfaced in 2018 with leaked documents suggesting City inflated the true market value of sponsorship revenue to comply with financial rules. These practices were said to enable City to meet UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. Further financial irregularities were accused, including payments to former manager Roberto Mancini and players that did not go through the club’s official accounts.

In 2014, City was fined and had their Champions League squad and transfer market spending capped for failing to meet UEFA’s FFP rules. In 2020, UEFA banned City from Europe for two years, but City won an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as the alleged breaches fell outside the five-year limit for prosecution.