Manchester City could reportedly go to the Supreme Court to clear their name after being charged with breaking over 100 financial rules by the Premier League.
It was announced on Monday morning that the Premier League have charged the Citizens with a series of financial offences following a four-year investigation.
The charges against the current top-flight champions – which are alleged to have taken place between 2009 and 2018 – relate to financial information regarding revenue, details of manager and player remuneration within the relevant contracts, UEFA regulations, profitability and sustainability and co-operation with Premier League investigations.
Man City released a statement just a few hours after the charges were announced, expressing their 'surprise' at the Premier League's allegations considering their "irrefutable evidence" in support of their position.
A statement read: "Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
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"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."
Pep Guardiola's side could face unprecedented sanctions such as fines, transfer bans, points deductions or expulsion from the Premier League should the independent commission find them guilty of the breaches.
According to The Sun, Man City are determined to defend themselves against the charges and are prepared to go to either the High Court or Supreme Court – the latter being the highest legal platform in England – if needed to fight their case.
Meanwhile, several media outlets claim that City are planning to hire Lord Pannick KC of Blackstone Chambers to act as their main defence lawyer, and The Mirror reports that the Citizens could pay the 66-year-old as much as £400,000 per week, matching the Premier League's highest earner Kevin De Bruyne.
Pannick is regarded as one of the UK's leading barristers and was an integral figure who helped overturn Man City's two-year Champions League ban by UEFA at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2020.
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The accusations against Man City of breaking financial rules were initially sparked when Portuguese computer hacker Rui Pinto leaked documents to German news outlet Der Spiegel back in 2018.
The Citizens have repeatedly denied the allegations since and they are said to be confident that the charges against them will be revoked.
If proven guilty, several Premier League clubs allegedly want to see City punished with relegation from the top flight.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club's future, City's hierarchy are reportedly planning to continue with their transfer activity as normal heading into the summer window.
Guardiola's side currently sit second in the Premier League table, five points adrift of leaders Arsenal who have a game in hand.
Oliver Thomas
