Premier League enlist Government’s ‘first-choice’ barrister in Man City charges battle

The Premier League has added prominent King’s Counsel Sir James Eadie and elite law firm Slaughter and May to its legal team in the charges dispute against Manchester City. According to reports from the Lawyer, both have been advising the league alongside Bird & Bird as legal proceedings have intensified. Eadie serves as the UK government's senior civil barrister, known as the 'Treasury Devil', and will face Manchester City's legal representative, Lord Pannick KC.

The development follows an independent commission's determination that Manchester City breached financial regulations between 2009 and 2018 regarding an alleged £830m commercial deal scheme. The club maintains its innocence and has appealed the ruling. Meanwhile, Independent Football Regulator head David Kogan confirmed the regulatory body possesses statutory powers to potentially force a sale if adverse financial findings are ultimately upheld.