Former Manchester City star reveals message CEO sent to players over 115 allegations

Aymeric Laporte has revealed that Manchester City bosses have assured their players that the club will not lose their landmark case against the Premier League. The reigning champions face 115 charges for breaching financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

An independent hearing will begin on Monday at an undisclosed location to determine whether City breached the rules. It is expected to last around 10 weeks, with a decision expected in the first half of next year.

The city has categorically denied any wrongdoing and maintained that its case was supported by a “comprehensive body of compelling evidence.”

Laporte, who won five Premier League titles with City before joining Al-Nassr last year, revealed the players had been reassured by club officials 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] He came and told all the players and staff that we could all be very calm because no rules had been broken by Manchester City.

“They told us everything was fine, that's why we all believe City will be fine. I don't think there will be any problems. As Pep Guardiola always says, if something wrong has been done, they will have to pay the price.”

The Premier League has accused City of breaking rules by failing to provide accurate financial information. The club allegedly failed to disclose the full remuneration paid to one of its managers over a four-year period.

City have also been accused of failing to comply with UEFA's financial fair play rules for a period of five years, in addition to allegedly failing to fully cooperate with the Premier League's investigation.

If found guilty, he faces a series of sanctions, including an unlimited fine or a points deduction. City could also be expelled from the Premier League, possibly mid-season, but that would be an extreme punishment.

Last week, Guardiola admitted he was pleased the trial was finally about to begin, saying: “It starts soon and hopefully ends soon, an independent panel will decide and I look forward to the decision. I am happy it starts on Monday.”

“I know there will be more rumors, more experts on sentencing. We'll see. I know what people expect, what they're waiting for. I know what I've read for many, many years. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, so we'll see.”