Revealed: Why Premier League clubs are already 'frustrated' by Man City's 115 charges hearing as 'trial of the century' begins

City's trial for their 115 charges began on Monday but the proceedings are very secretive and The Telegraph reports that the Premier League and its clubs are facing frustration over how the trial is going to play out.

Per the report, City's hearing is completely confidential and their fate will be decided by an unnamed three-person panel. They could be relegated if found guilty. The location of the hearing was even kept from other clubs, and the next public release of information will come when the "final awards" are published. That may well be the final ruling, and it could arrive in months.

The Telegraph quotes a lawyer who has operated on a Premier League club's behalf, who says: “Justice does not just need to be done – it needs to be seen to be done.

“There is no reason, in principle, why it is not being held in public. It would ensure it is covered accurately in the media and that the actual detail of any case – what exactly has been alleged and how it is being defended – is picked over and known to the fans.

"That in itself acts as a control over clubs and owners – who generally care very much about their image – to abide by the rules but is also a protection to help ensure a fair hearing.”

The Premier League hearing is likely to drag on for several months. On the pitch, City play Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.