Premier League CEO Richard Masters has confirmed the hearing into the 115 charges of financial breaches against Manchester City will be held in the “near future”.
The speed of the investigation into City’s dealings has drawn frustration from many fans of rival sides who have seen both Everton and Nottingham Forest deducted points this season just a matter of weeks after being charged with breaching Profit and Sustainability rules.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that the Premier League has not yet revealed when the charges against City will actually be heard, but Masters has now offered his closest indication yet by revealing (via Ben Rumsby) the hearing will take place in the “near future”.
It was reported in November 2023 the hearing would not commence until late 2024, with investigators still collecting evidence before taking their information to court.
Earlier this year, Masters did confirm that a date had been set but refused to offer any explanation. He did, however, attempt to justify the delay in proceedings compared to the cases against Everton and Forest.
“They are very different charges, that’s all I’d say,” Masters revealed in January.
“If any club, whether they’re the current champions or otherwise, had been found in breach of spending rules for year 2023 they would be in exactly the same position as Everton or Nottingham Forest.
“But the volume and character of the charges laid before Man City, which I obviously cannot talk about at all, are being heard in a completely different environment.
“There is a date set for that proceeding, unfortunately I can’t tell you when that is but that is progressing.”