Man City Reject EPL’s Financial Breaches Verdict, Vow To Appeal

Manchester City have rejected the independent commission’s findings that the club breached Premier League financial rules and confirmed that they will appeal the verdict.

The Premier League announced on Tuesday that an independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to serious financial breaches over a nine-season period, covering 2009-10 to 2017-18. The commission also found the club guilty of three of four charges concerning its failure to cooperate with the league’s investigation.

The case followed a four-year Premier League investigation and involved more than 100 alleged breaches. The league said the commission found that City used what it described as “sham” commercial agreements with sponsors to artificially increase reported revenue and reduce costs.

The commission concluded that the arrangements affected the club’s finances by more than £900 million during the period under review. It also found that City submitted inaccurate financial information and failed to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Manchester City strongly dispute the findings.

In a statement following the verdict, the club said it was “disappointed and surprised” by the commission’s opinion and maintained that it was innocent of the accusations brought by the Premier League.

City said it would pursue the available appeal process, arguing that the decision contained clear material errors relating to law, principle and fact and was therefore unsafe.

The club has until October 2 to lodge its appeal against the commission’s findings.

The verdict does not immediately determine the punishment Manchester City could face. The sanctions process remains separate, with the independent commission expected to consider the appropriate penalties after the findings and appeal process.

Possible sanctions under Premier League rules include financial penalties, points deductions, suspension from competition and, in the most serious circumstances, expulsion. However, no sanction has yet been imposed in this case.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the commission’s decision established findings concerning City’s conduct during the period under investigation and that the league would seek to move quickly through the remaining process.

Manchester City, meanwhile, remain committed to challenging the verdict as the long-running financial case enters its appeal stage.

The appeal will now determine whether the commission’s findings stand, while any potential sporting or financial sanctions will depend on the outcome of the remaining proceedings.