A view of the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, in Manchester, England, September 14, 2024. /CFP
In England, the long-awaited independent hearing into Manchester City's 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations began on Monday.
Dubbed the "sports trial of the century" by British media, a three-person commission will review evidence over the next 10 weeks, with a verdict expected before the end of the current season. The charges, which date from 2009 to 2018, could lead to severe penalties, including fines, points deductions, or even demotion.
Four-time defending champions City have denied any wrongdoing. The hearing is reportedly taking place at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, though official confirmation has not been provided.
City have won eight Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, six League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup since being bought by the Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.