Ex-Man City star reveals message CEO gave to players about 115 charges

Aymeric Laporte has revealed that Manchester City bosses told their players the club would not lose their landmark trial against the Premier League. The reigning champions are facing 115 charges of allegedly breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

An independent hearing at an undisclosed location will begin on Monday to determine whether or not City broke the rules. It is expected to go on for around 10 weeks, with a decision set to be announced in the first half of next year.

City have strenuously denied any wrongdoing and have maintained that their case is supported by a ‘comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence’.

Laporte, who won five Premier League titles with City before joining Al-Nassr last year, has revealed that players were reassured by club bosses that there was nothing to worry about.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Laporte said: “When I was there and the news broke, the sporting director [Txiki Begiristain] and the CEO [Ferran Soriano] came and told all the players and staff that we can all be very calm because not one rule has been broken by Man City.

‘They told us everything was fine so that’s why we all think City will be fine. I don’t think there will be any issues. Like Pep Guardiola always says, if something wrong has been done, they will have to pay for it.”

The Premier League have accused City of breaking the rules by allegedly failing to provide accurate financial information. Allegedly, they did not fully disclose the financial remunerations that were made to one of their managers over a four-year period.

City have also been accused of failing to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play rules over a five-year period, in addition to allegedly not fully co-operating with the Premier League’s investigation.

If found guilty, a range of punishments could be handed down including a limitless fine or a points deduction. City could also be expelled from the Premier League, possibly in the middle of the season, but this would be an extreme punishment.

Last week, Guardiola admitted he was glad the trial was finally about to begin, saying: “It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon, an independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision. I’m happy it’s starting on Monday.

“I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We’re going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect. I know what I read for many, many years. Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven, so we’ll see.”