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| Photo credit — Man City |
Manchester City have formally appealed the independent Premier League Commission’s findings in their long-running disciplinary case.
The club confirmed it submitted a comprehensive appeal at 7pm on Thursday, 1 October 2026. In a statement published on the official club website, City described the Commission’s opinion as containing “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact” and called it “unsafe.”
The club reiterated its position that it is innocent of the accusations brought by the Premier League and said a comprehensive body of evidence supports its defence. City added that it remains committed to due process but is restricted in what it can say publicly while proceedings continue.
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An independent Commission earlier found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, and of the majority of charges concerning alleged failure to co-operate with the League’s investigation. The Commission concluded the club arranged “sham” contracts with commercial partners as part of schemes that artificially inflated revenues and reduced costs by more than £900 million.
City have consistently denied wrongdoing.
Sanctions have not yet been determined and will be addressed in a separate hearing.
Former manager Pep Guardiola publicly reaffirmed his support for the club after the verdict. In an Instagram post he wrote: “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, [manager] Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
Guardiola managed City from 2016 until the end of the 2025-26 season, winning multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cups and League Cups.
The appeal now moves to the next stage of the Premier League’s disciplinary process. Under current rules the appeal is expected to be concluded within a defined timeframe, though the final outcome and any potential sanctions remain pending.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano have both previously expressed confidence in the club’s position and stated that key evidence was not properly considered.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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