Manchester City has confirmed that it has lodged an appeal against the Premier League Commission relating to 114 charges against it.
Without going into much detail, the club statement read:
“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday 1st October 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter.
“The Club’s 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.
“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”
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The club was found guilty by the Premier League of 114 of the 115 charges against it, relating to financial regulations.
Earlier today, The Football Association also released a statement:
“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.
“As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. We will, however, continue to monitor developments closely.”
The FA could launch its own investigation into the findings.
All this means that the hope expressed by other club bosses for a speedy conclusion, is looking increasingly unlikely.
Among the accusations levelled at City are that it arranged “sham contracts” with a number of sponsors, to disguise funding of more than £800m.
It’s reported that the club will argue that the “top up” of these sponsorship deals was not paid for by the club’s owners, but the Abu Dhabi government.
One sponsor, Etihad Airways, has said it is considering legal action against the Premier League.
It said that it would “seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests” adding that it stood by the club.
“Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.
“The Premier League’s public communication of the commission’s findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has further created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings.”
