Why Premier League clubs are growing concerned by potentially spiralling costs of legal battles - including the 115 charges against Man City

This year, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and now City have forked out huge funds to fight their corner in court in regards to financial fair play (FFP) and more. So why are other Premier League sides concerned about this going forward?

According to The Telegraph, top-flight teams are worried that the legal bill for these cases will run into the millions and reduce their share of the central funds from broadcast and commercial deals. The Daily Mailreports the Premier League could be left with a legal bill of tens of millions of pounds even if they win their case against City. If those legal funds continue to spiral - with The Times claiming the Premier League spent nearly £50 million ($66.6m) on legal costs last season (six times more than what they budgeted for) - the usual payments issued to top-flight teams could be negatively affected.

The Telegraph report adds that in the Everton case, where they were docked eight points overall in two court battles for profit and sustainability rule (PSR) breaches, the Premier League applied for the Toffees to pay £5m in costs but were awarded just £1.7m ($2.2m). Plus, they lost the appeal, which added to those costs. Previously, Everton's general counsel, Celia Rooney, said the rates paid by the Premier League for its legal costs were "eye-watering".

While Everton and Forest were docked points last season and Leicester have seemingly escaped any punishment, City are currently in a legal battle with the Premier League over allegedly breaking financial rules. That case is likely to go on for weeks and will be very expensive.