Manchester City will learn the outcome of charges they have brought against the Premier League's associated party transaction rules in the next two weeks, according to reports.
The reigning Premier League champions are also defending 115 separate alleged breaches of financial rules, with it previously emerging that the 10-week hearing into those charges isscheduled to begin next month.
The outcome of the club's ongoing legal case against APT rules would allow the hearing into the 115 charges to be brought forward, as reported by the Times.
The League have charged City with a failure to provide accurate financial information and a failure to provide accurate details for player and manager payments.
City have been accused of financial impropriety spanning over a nine year period from 2009 and could even face the harshest punishment of relegation if found to be at fault.
An investigation was first sparked by Der Spiegel publishing Football Leaks documents in 2018 and City stand accused of funnelling money from the club’s owners through sponsors in the United Arab Emirates.
City — who declined to comment — deny wrongdoing and are defending their case at an independent inquiry.
City begin their title defence at Chelsea on Sunday, after winning four straight titles and the Champions League along with other domestic honours under Pep Guardiola.
In their title-winning match against West Ham last season, the start to the second half was delayed by two minutes and 46 seconds
The Spaniard has previously spoken about how he has been reassured City have committed no wrongdoing and labelled the club as 'innocent'.
Guardiola has still managed to lead City to serial Premier League success amidst the backdrop of charges against the club that has been well-documented.
City have been boosted by the returns of Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker ahead of the new season, with the trio in for testing after an extended break following the Euros.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips is attracting interest from Fulham, Ipswich and Everton.