Man City's fate to be decided! Hearing into club's alleged 115 FFP breaches brought forward & date finally set for verdict with relegation still a possibility for Premier League champions

An independent inquiry into Manchester City's 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules had been expected to take place in late autumn but is now due to start in September, according to The Times. The hearing will take place over 10 weeks and a verdict will be delivered by the beginning of next year.

City have brought a legal case against the Premier League's associated party transaction rules, and the outcome of that case will be revealed within the next fortnight. That will then allow the hearing into City's alleged breaches to begin. The Times claim there is a "belief" that the club have achieved some success in the arbitration.

If the most serious charges against City are proved, they face the threat of relegation from the Premier League as punishment. The rule breaches alleged include failing to provide accurate financial information for nine seasons, as well as obfuscation over Roberto Mancini's salary and the wages of certain players.

They have also been charged with failing to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation.

In the meantime, City will hope to focus on matters on the pitch. They play Chelsea this weekend as they prepare to chase a record-extending fifth successive Premier League title.