Premier League hires Treasury Devil Sir James Eadie to lead Man City charges case

The Premier League has strengthened its legal team in the Manchester City financial charges case by bringing in Sir James Eadie KC, the barrister who holds the ancient office of Treasury Devil and serves as the Crown’s lead advocate in major civil disputes, according to reports from legal publication the Lawyer.

Eadie joins elite law firm Slaughter and May and existing counsel Bird & Bird on the Premier League’s roster. Both Eadie and Slaughter and May have reportedly been advising the league for several months as proceedings have intensified. The appointment sets up a high-profile courtroom rivalry: Eadie leads all advocates in UK Supreme Court appearances over the past decade, while Manchester City are represented by Lord Pannick KC, who ranks second on that same list.

The case centres on an independent commission’s finding that Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018 through an alleged £830 million scheme to artificially inflate commercial deals. The club has denied all wrongdoing and lodged an appeal against the ruling.

The stakes were raised further this week when David Kogan, head of the newly established Independent Football Regulator, confirmed that the body holds statutory powers to evaluate club leadership and could potentially force a sale if adverse financial findings are upheld on appeal. Kogan also drew a firm line against political interference, pledging to resign immediately if subjected to government pressure over the City case — a statement that followed political remarks concerning UAE investment in Manchester.

Manchester City have consistently maintained their innocence throughout proceedings, and concerns remain in some quarters about the broader implications the case could carry for UAE investment in the United Kingdom. The appeal process is ongoing, with no timetable for a final resolution yet confirmed.