An Arsenal member will chair the independent commission into Manchester City's alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018.
The Premier League have charged City with more than 100 alleged breaches of its financial rules following a four-year investigation. City are now set for an ugly and lengthy legal battle after they were accused of not providing a fair view of their financial position.
It is unclear when the scandal will be resolved and how severe City's punishment will be, if any. Pep Guardiola's side are aiming to win a fifth Premier League title in seven years this season and are currently five points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more.
As reported by the BBC, Murray Rosen KC will chair a confidential hearing into the allegations. And Rosen's profile on barristers 4 New Square's website claims the chair is an Arsenal member, as well as outlining his expertise on sports law.
Arsenal will have no involvement in the investigation. As per the Premier League's statement, "Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs.
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"The members of the commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26 [rules on appointing a commission and the commission procedures]."
Murray Rosen KC is an Arsenal member (4 New Square)What do you make of Manchester City's alleged rules breach? Let us know in the comments below!
"The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential [rules on publication] and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.
"This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice."
The Premier League started their investigation into City's finances in December 2018 after German outlet Der Spiegel published leaked documents claiming the club had inflated a sponsorship deal. City claimed the allegations made were "entirely false" at the time.
UEFA have previously attempted to punish City for "serious breaches" of Financial Fair Play between 2012 and 2016 by imposing a two-year ban in 2020. They were banned from European competitions - including the Champions League - and fined €30million.
City referred their punishment to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and were reinstated to the Champions League, with the fine reduced to €10m. They were cleared of "disguising equity funds as sponsorship contributions" but failed to "cooperate with UEFA".
City said they were "surprised" by the Premier League's allegations and claimed there was "extensive engagement" between the two parties. They insisted the Premier League were "provided with" a "vast amount of detailed materials".
City added: "The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."
City will fight these allegations to the bitter end. If found guilty, their punishment could be a fine, points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. As per the Premier League's rules, City will not be able to appeal any sanction with CAS.
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