Man City legal battle could cost Premier League extraordinary eight-figure fee - with clubs set to be hit in the pocket over 115 charges case

The English top-flight and the league champions will soon face off in a legal battle as the hearing into the 115 charges for allegedly breaking financial regulations is to begin. City are said to have brought in high-priced lawyers for the case, including familiar face Lord Pannick KC, who represented the club in their successful appeal against UEFA banning them from the Champions League. The barrister is said to be charging around £5,000 per hour.

The legal costs for the case are expected to be gargantuan considering its size and importance. The Daily Mail reports that the Premier League will have to pay for the majority of legal fees accrued in their battle with Everton last year, which the top-flight won, resulting in the Toffees being handed an initial 10-point deduction which was later cut to six. Despite the league's attempts to hand the £4.9m legal bill to the stricken club, an independent commission has ruled that Everton will only have to pay around a third of it.

The ruling suggests that, even if the Premier League wins the case against City, it will still be hit with significant legal fees. On the other hand, if the reigning English champions are successful, the Premier League may have to pick up the entirety of the bill, which would affect payments issued to other clubs.

While the case will soon begin, it may take a long time before a verdict is handed down due to the severity and breadth. However, many are already calling for City to be hit with a massive points deduction or even relegated from the Premier League.