The Premier League has disclosed that charges are being brought against the current English champions for alleged financial mismanagement following a four-year inquiry. City's case has been forwarded to an unbiased commission because it is alleged that they have broken the law more than 100 times.
In a statement posted on the club's official website, City has now responded to the allegations. It says: "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. The Club welcomes the independent Commission's consideration of this case in order to objectively evaluate the substantial body of incontestable material that exists in support of its position. We therefore anticipate this issue being resolved definitively."
Sheikh Mansour has been funding City since 2008, and the probe into possible financial rule violations includes the whole of what has been a successful period for the Blues under their Emirati owner. City are still awaiting the punishment that will be imposed; it's possible that they might be hit with a points deduction or even kicked out of the Premier League. The Court of Arbitration for Sport will not be able to hear their case.