The independent hearing into Manchester City's alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations finally began on Monday.

it was previously reported the trial would begin on Monday, with the hearing dubbed by British media as the "sports trial of the century." It is expected to last for around two months.

The aim is for the final verdict, including any appeal, to be completed by the end of the 2024-25 season

Manchester City, who have claimed the English Premier League title four consecutive times, were referred to an independent commission in February 2023 over charges spanning from 2009 to 2018. The club has consistently denied any misconduct.

If found guilty of some or all of the charges, City could face severe consequences, including fines, point deductions, or even relegation from the Premier League. Such a ruling would cast a shadow over what has been one of the most successful eras in English football.

Since Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group took over in 2008, City have secured eight Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, six League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

On Friday, manager Pep Guardiola expressed support for the trial, asserting that City should be considered innocent until proven otherwise.

"It starts soon and then [hopefully] finishes soon. An independent panel will decide, and I am looking forward to the decision," Guardiola told a news conference.

"We're going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.

"I am not a lawyer. [Striker] Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty."

Manchester City faces multiple charges, including providing inaccurate financial details, not fully disclosing payments to players and managers, breaching Premier League and UEFA financial fair play rules, and failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations.

This isn't the first time City has faced allegations of financial misconduct. In 2020, UEFA imposed a two-year ban on the club from the Champions League for inflating sponsorship revenues between 2012 and 2016.

However, City successfully overturned the ban after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

City said at the time of the referral to the Premier League's independent commission that they were surprised by the league's "issuing of these alleged breaches."

The hearing, set to take place behind closed doors, is expected to last several weeks, casting a shadow over Manchester City's quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.

Regardless of the outcome, both sides have the option to appeal, which could extend the process into mid-2025.

Last season, both Everton and Nottingham Forest were penalised with points deductions for violating the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations, while Leicester City managed to escape a similar penalty after successfully appealing.