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The trial that could potentially reshape English football remains under wraps. Manchester City will face 115 charges of allegedly violating the financial rules of the competition they've dominated. The trial is set to take place at an undisclosed location, with authorities keen to avoid the media frenzy that would ensue if the venue were revealed.

This independent hearing, often referred to as the 'trial of the century', is anticipated to last approximately 10 weeks, with a final verdict not expected until later this year or potentially even in 2026.

Which seasons do the charges pertain to?

Identifying the period during which these alleged infractions occurred is far from simple. The charges span 14 years, from 2009, when Roberto Mancini took over from Mark Hughes as manager, right up to 2018.

During this time, City clinched three Premier League titles, along with a FA Cup and three League Cup trophies.

What are the charges about?

The 115 charges are divided into five distinct categories. The most significant pertains to providing accurate financial information from 2009/10 to 2017/18, with City facing 54 alleged breaches.

Additionally, there are 14 charges of failing to provide precise details for player and manager payments from the period of 2009/10 to 2017/18. The remaining charges include five instances of failure to comply with UEFA regulations, including Financial Fair Play (FFP), from 2013/14 to 2017/18, and seven instances of breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) from 2015/16 to 2017/18.

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City are accused of failing to co-operate with Premier League investigations on no fewer than 35 occasions.

The club strongly deny any wrongdoing.

What are the potential punishments?

Contrary to popular belief, Brendan Rodgers will not be eagerly phoning the likes of Joe Allen and Simon Mignolet to praise their contribution to Liverpool's 2013/14 Premier League title win, as City will not be stripped of previous honours. Nor will Jose Mourinho be jesting about title 'number four' in England after United finished second to City in 2017/18.

However, if the charges are proven, the independent commission hearing the case will essentially have unlimited powers when it comes to meting out the punishments. And their sanctions could dramatically alter the outlook of the English game.

Penalties are expected to range from hefty fines to points deductions. Despite City's trophy cabinet likely remaining untouched, the worst-case scenario could see them demoted or expelled from the Premier League, leading to the possibility of Erling Harland attempting to outmanoeuvre defences in the Championship next season.

Unsurprisingly, the club has gathered a formidable legal team to contest the charges, with every loophole or favourable regulation anticipated to be exploited to the fullest. Whether it's rivals gloating over their downfall or fuming at their perceived unjust acquittal, the outcome of all charges will trigger a fallout that will far outlast the duration of the trial itself.

APT proceedings terminated

City and the Premier League jointly announced that they had reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration which was began earlier this year, concerning the league's Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules.

A trial was due to commence in October but will no longer take place. This settlement does not concern the 115 charges facing the club.

City's statement read: "The Premier League and Manchester City FC have reached a settlement in relation to the arbitration commenced by the club earlier this year concerning the Premier League's Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules and as a result the parties have agreed to terminate the proceedings.

"This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT Rules. As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT Rules are valid and binding.

"It has been agreed that neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter."