Man City Appeal the Guilty Verdict as Etihad Threatens Legal Action and Rivals Push for Sanctions This Season

Manchester City have formally appealed against the independent commission's verdict that found them guilty in the Premier League's biggest disciplinary case. The appeal opened a busy few days in which the club's main sponsor threatened legal action, their former manager sent a message of support, and rival clubs reportedly pressed for punishment this season.

Appeal lodged on deadline day

On Friday, 2 October, the Premier League confirmed that City had lodged an appeal with the Chair of the Judicial Panel. Friday was the deadline the league had given the club. The league said the Appeal Board hearing "will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted."

City said the commission's opinion "contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe". The club insisted it is "innocent of the accusations", according to beIN Sports.

Under Section W of the league's rules, the appeal will be heard by a new three-member board, one of whom must have held judicial office. The board can allow the appeal, dismiss it, or change the commission's order.

What City were found guilty of

According to Sky Sports, the commission found that between 2009/10 and 2017/18 City arranged "sham" contracts with commercial partners as part of a "disguised funding scheme" that artificially inflated revenue. Sky Sports also reports that the commission found City concealed the true state of their finances from auditors and regulators and failed to co-operate with the investigation.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters called it "the most significant disciplinary case in Premier League history". The Football Association said the case had "significant implications for the integrity of the game" but would not comment further while it is ongoing.

Etihad hits back

City's shirt sponsor Etihad Airways said it would "seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests". In a statement reported by Inside World Football, the airline said it "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements". Etihad also said the publication of the findings had damaged it, even though the airline was not named in the redacted version.

Guardiola and Klopp react

Pep Guardiola, City manager from 2016 to 2026, posted a message to supporters: "Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all." He also named current manager Enzo Maresca among those he is backing.

His old rival Jurgen Klopp, now Germany's head coach, sounded far less playful than in 2024, when he said he would join any title bus parade. "I don't need to be Premier League champions a few more times. I'm completely happy with what we've achieved," Klopp said, adding that he expects any appeal to "take ages".

Rivals want punishment this season

According to newspaper reports collected by Sky Sports, Premier League clubs want any sanctions applied before the end of this season. Some also want a penalty that would keep City out of the top flight for a long time. City are also expected to owe the league tens of millions of pounds in legal costs.

The sanction will be decided at a separate hearing in front of the commission. The league will propose a punishment and City will respond. Possible penalties include fines, points deductions, other sporting sanctions and expulsion. The league has no fixed sanctions grid. For comparison, Everton and Nottingham Forest were docked points for smaller breaches of the profit and sustainability rules in 2023/24.

What happens next

• The appeal: Sky Sports reports that league rules require it to be completed within 12 weeks of filing.
• The sanctions hearing: no date has been set.
• Further legal action: City could still challenge the fairness of the process in the High Court, and rival clubs may sue for damages.

Key takeaways

• City lodged their appeal on the 2 October deadline and say the verdict is "unsafe".
• Etihad Airways rejects the findings and is considering legal action against the Premier League.
• Rival clubs reportedly want sanctions applied this season.
• The appeal and the separate sanctions hearing could still lead to a points deduction during the current campaign.

FAQ

Can City appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport? No. According to Sky Sports, Premier League cases go to an internal Appeal Board, though City could challenge the fairness of the process in the High Court.

Could City be relegated? Only if a points deduction is big enough to send them down, or if the commission chooses expulsion. Both are among the options available.

When will the sanction be known? No date has been set. Reports suggest the league wants the process finished this season.

Sources: Premier League, Sky Sports, beIN Sports, Inside World Football, Al Jazeera