Manchester City appeals Premier League verdict on financial rule breaches
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Manchester City filed a comprehensive appeal on Thursday against the Premier League commission's finding that the club breached financial rules. The club said the decision contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. The appeal was lodged a day before the deadline, the club confirmed on Friday.
Key Facts
- Manchester City lodged its appeal at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, one day before the deadline.
- The Premier League's independent commission found the club guilty on 114 of 115 charges of breaching financial rules.
- The alleged breaches cover the period from the 2009/10 season to the 2017/18 season.
- The club says it is innocent and has a substantial body of irrefutable evidence supporting its positions.
- Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League following the publication of the decision.
The Appeal
Manchester City confirmed on Friday that it had filed a comprehensive appeal against the Premier League commission's opinion in the disciplinary case. The club lodged the appeal at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, a day before the deadline. In its statement, the club said the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. Manchester City maintains it is innocent of the accusations and says a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence supports all of its positions. The club added that it will continue to respect due process and is restricted in what it can say until all proceedings are complete.
Premier League Verdict
The Premier League announced on Tuesday that an independent commission had found the Abu Dhabi-backed club guilty on more than 100 charges. The commission found Manchester City guilty on 114 of 115 charges of breaching the league's financial rules. The breaches cover the period from the 2009/10 season to the 2017/18 season. The commission established that the club concluded fictitious contracts, provided inaccurate financial reporting, and committed serious violations of spending limits set by the Premier League and UEFA. The club was also found guilty on most charges relating to its failure to cooperate with the investigation.
Reactions and Consequences
Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League following the publication of the decision in the case concerning Manchester City's financial violations. UK Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lisa Nandy said Manchester City could face expulsion from the Premier League. The Premier League began its investigation in 2018 and announced in early 2023 that it had found more than 100 breaches after the club was bought by City Football Group in 2008.