Man City appoint top lawyer ‘on £5,000 per hour’ in battle against Premier League

Manchester City have appointed top lawyer Lord Pannick KC to defend them against the charges levelled by the Premier League after a four-year investigation earlier this week, according to reports.

The reigning Premier League champions are currently facing charges of up to 100 alleged branches of financial regulations over the course of nine seasons from the 2009/10 campaign up to the 2017/18 season.

If they are found guilty of the charges they strenuously deny, the club could suffer a points deduction or complete expulsion from the Premier League.

Considering their Premier League status is potentially at risk, City will need the very best legal team money could buy. And it appears they are have found just that in Pannick.

According to ‘The Lawyer’, City are putting together a legal team made up of the finest lawyers to defend their case. Lord Pannick is reported to be one of the biggest names entrusted with clearing the club of the charges.

Pannick could cost City as much as £10,000 an hour to defend the organisation as an independent commission determines whether to punish them over the findings of a four-year Premier League investigation, according to The Lawyer.

Disciplinary measures for violations of financial rules could be as harsh as a points deduction or relegation, so the club are willing to pay any amount to fund a strong defence.

He could reportedly demand up to £80,000 a day and £400,000 per week for his services. This means he would be paid the same amount as De Bruyne at the club.

The article also says Pannick’s typical fees are around £5000 per hour, but even that salary would make him wealthier than all but seven City stars. Nevertheless, the club appeared relatively confident their name will be cleared in the courts.

“Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with,” an official statement from the club read.

“The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”