Manchester City have formally appealed against the independent commission's findings that the club breached Premier League financial regulations, escalating a case that has been under investigation for several years.
The club confirmed that it lodged a comprehensive appeal at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, challenging the commission's ruling on multiple legal, factual and procedural grounds. City maintain that they are innocent of the accusations and say they possess substantial evidence supporting their position.
The commission found City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them, relating to financial matters between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The findings included the use of commercial agreements that the commission determined misrepresented the true arrangements between the parties, as well as breaches relating to the club's cooperation with the Premier League investigation. <Cite refs={["turn747116news24","turn747116search9"]}/>
The case followed a four-year Premier League investigation that culminated in the charges being referred to an independent commission in February 2023. The allegations covered financial reporting, sponsorship revenue and compliance with league regulations over nine seasons.
A 12-week hearing took place between September and December 2024, after which the commission considered the evidence before delivering its findings.
City have consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the process. In their latest statement, the club described the commission's opinion as containing material errors of law, principle and fact, adding that they would continue to respect due process while the proceedings remain ongoing. <Cite refs={["turn747116search9","turn747116search0"]}/>
The appeal will be considered by a newly appointed independent Appeal Board rather than the commission that issued the original ruling. Under the Premier League's rules, the hearing must conclude within 12 weeks of the appeal being lodged, with a decision due within 30 days after the hearing concludes. <Cite refs={["turn747116search0","turn747116news24"]}/>
The process differs from City's successful challenge to UEFA's separate European competition ban in 2020, which was heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The current proceedings concern the Premier League's own disciplinary system.
No punishment has yet been determined in the Premier League case. The commission's findings established liability, while the question of sanctions remains separate from the appeal process.
Possible disciplinary outcomes could include a fine, points deductions or other sanctions permitted under Premier League rules. More serious measures, including a recommendation for expulsion, are also provided for under the league's disciplinary framework. The eventual outcome will depend on the remaining proceedings.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has previously insisted that the club remains confident it can establish its innocence. Chief executive Ferran Soriano has also rejected the findings, while the club continues to contest the case.
For now, City remain focused on their domestic campaign as the appeal moves forward. The board's eventual decision will determine the next stage of the dispute, with any subsequent disciplinary action dependent on the outcome of the outstanding proceedings.
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