Man City and Premier League lawyers decline to comment after first day of football’s ‘trial of the century’ as hearing into champions’ 115 alleged financial rule breaches finally begins

The first day of football’s ’trial of the century’ has concluded at the secret location in the heart of the City of London.

Lawyers representing Manchester City and the Premier League declined to give any insight into proceedings as they left this afternoon.

The top flight club faces relegation from the Premier League over the 115 charges leveled at them for allegedly breaching the English football body’s financial rules.

Kings Counsel Lord Pannick, who is representing Manchester City, declined to comment when he left the hearing

And Adam Lewis KC, who is acting for the Premier League also remained silent.

Man City’s trial is taking place at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in central London

Manchester City face 115 charges of Financial Fair Play rules and regulations breaches

Manchester City’s lead barrister for the trial in central London is Lord Patrick Pannick (above) 

Lewis has previously acted for the footballing organisation working as counsel for the league during their legal dispute with Everton over the Merseyside club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. 

The independent hearing is expected to last ten weeks with a verdict not anticipated until Spring next year.

The case is being held in private at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) that is located in a quiet lane close to St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London.

The Premier League’s managing director Richard Masters has been central to the case

The fees to hire out the largest room at the IDRC for just one day cost £4,845, while overtime can cost around £300-per-hour. The building has around 70 rooms which those seeking to settle disputes can chose from. 

With the trial expected to last approximately 10 weeks, the fees for the use of the building could rise to around £250,000.