A former Manchester City chief has revealed he is gravely concerned amid the hearing into the Premier League's 115 charges against the side.
The Citizens are alleged to have broken a large number of Financial Fair Play regulations between 2009 and 2018, a period during which they were crowned English champions on three occasions.
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The side is claimed to have failed to provide accurate financial information during this period, but the Manchester-based club has denied the charges against them.
The private hearing into the matter began on Monday, at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, and is expected to last potentially 10 weeks.
It is believed that if the club is found guilty, they could suffer a major points deduction, as Everton and Nottingham Forest experienced last season.
An extreme punishment could see the reigning EPL champions face expulsion from England's top flight.
Speaking about the situation, former City chairman David Bernstein expressed his concern at the situation, admitting he is worried.
"I am not surprised it has got to this stage. There are 115 charges, they cover a wide period of time, and on the surface, they are serious charges and have to be answered," the ex-chief told Sky Sports, per GOAL.
"In a way, they should have got this resolved somewhat earlier, but these things do take time.
"I am a City fan, as well as being an ex-chairman, and I am worried.
"On the surface, they look to be serious charges. City will have the best lawyers, they will defend themselves as they absolutely have the right to do and we will see what happens.
"This is really heavy stuff."
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