Manchester City lodge appeal against guilty verdict on Premier League financial rules
Manchester City lodge appeal against guilty verdict on Premier League financial rules
In the Man City appeal guilty verdict case, Manchester City confirmed on Friday that they have formally challenged the independent commission’s ruling which found them guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. The appeal was lodged at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, just ahead of Friday’s deadline to contest the verdict.
The commission, whose findings were published earlier this week, found City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the league’s financial rules over a nine-season period, as well as the majority of charges concerning the club’s failure to co-operate with the league’s investigation.
Man City appeal guilty verdict as ‘unsafe’ with ‘clear material errors’
City’s statement was combative. The club said its “firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe”.
“The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case,” the statement read, adding that the club would respect due process and could say little more while proceedings continue.
The Press Association understands City intend to present evidence to the appeal board that they say refutes the commission’s key finding: that owner funding was disguised as sponsorship revenue. The commission concluded that more than £830 million of such funding was used to inflate revenues so the club could meet Premier League and UEFA financial rules through a series of “sham” arrangements.
FA warns of ‘significant implications’ as Premier League confirms appeal
The Premier League confirmed it had received the appeal, saying the matter now goes to the chair of the judicial panel. “The independent Appeal Board hearing will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted,” the league said.
The Football Association also issued a statement on Friday, saying: “The Independent Commission’s decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game. We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate.”
Possible sanctions being discussed include a fine, a transfer ban, a points deduction or even relegation from the Premier League. There have also been calls for City to be stripped of titles won during the period covered by the charges.
What the Man City appeal means for the season ahead
The appeal process could run for months, meaning the saga that began with charges filed in 2023 is far from over. Pep Guardiola’s side are due back in Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield on October 11, after the international break, and the unresolved case will hang over the club all season.
FAQs
Why were Manchester City found guilty?
An independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period, plus most charges of failing to co-operate with the investigation. The key finding was that owner funding was disguised as sponsorship revenue.
When did Manchester City lodge their appeal?
The club lodged a “comprehensive appeal” at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, ahead of the Friday deadline, and announced it on Friday, October 2.
What did Manchester City say about the verdict?
City called the commission’s opinion “unsafe”, said it contained “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact”, and insisted the club is innocent with “irrefutable evidence” to support its case.
What punishments could Manchester City face?
Possible sanctions include a fine, transfer ban, points deduction or relegation. Some have called for titles won during the period covered to be stripped, though no punishment has been set while the appeal is pending.
