Premier League clubs are calling for Manchester City’s hearing for 115 alleged rule breaches to be held publicly.
Dubbed the ‘trial of the century’, City’s hearing is being played out behind closed doors in accordance with Section W of the league’s rules, with the location even being kept public in addition to the three-person commission hearing the case.
The specific charges against Manchester City, who have won eight of the last 13 Premier League titles, are not publicly known with just the rules that each alleged breach relates to as well as what season they occurred released publicly.
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The alleged rule breaches occurred between 2009 and 2023 and if found guilty of the charges, City could potentially be kicked out of the Premier League, however it’s much more likely they cop punishments ranging from warnings, fines or a deduction of premiership points.
While clubs are perturbed about how private the City case has been so far, the current process is how the rule book states it should be. Based on the magnitude of the case though, other clubs believe there needs to be greater transparency.
“Justice does not just need to be done – it needs to be seen to be done,” said a lawyer of a rival Premier League club.
“There is no reason, in principle, why it is not being held in public. It would ensure it is covered accurately in the media and that the actual detail of any case – what exactly has been alleged and how it is being defended – is picked over and known to the fans.
“That in itself acts as a control over clubs and owners – who generally care very much about their image – to abide by the rules but is also a protection to help ensure a fair hearing.”
If the rules surrounding secrecy in these types of cases are to be changed, at least 14 clubs would have to vote for open hearings.
Due to several clubs recently facing investigations for various rule breaches, such as Everton and Leicester City, winning the majority to change these rules could prove difficult.
Of course, Manchester City have denied all chargers.
The case, which has only just got underway, will be heard over the next two to three months with a decision to be handed down before the end of the current league season.
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