Manchester City have formally appealed the independent Premier League Commission’s findings in the long-running financial rules case, insisting that the verdict contains serious errors and maintaining that the club is innocent of the accusations.
City confirmed on Friday, October 2, 2026, that their comprehensive appeal was lodged at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 1,2026 one day before the deadline for challenging the Commission’s decision.
In a statement published by the club, City said they believe the Commission’s opinion contains fundamental problems in its interpretation of the case.
“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 statement said in part.
The club also strongly rejected the findings against it, saying it has evidence that supports its position throughout the case.
“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.”
The appeal follows the Premier League’s announcement on September 29, 2026, that an independent Commission had found City guilty of all charges relating to serious financial breaches over a nine-season period, as well as the majority of charges concerning the club’s alleged failure to cooperate with the League’s investigation.
The Commission found that between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, City had arranged what it described as “sham” contracts with commercial partners, allegedly allowing the club to artificially increase its revenues and reduce costs.
The Premier League also said the Commission found that City submitted misstated accounts and concealed the true state of its finances from auditors and football regulators. It further found significant breaches of both Premier League and UEFA spending limits.
The findings relate to a case involving 115 alleged breaches, although the exact sanctions arising from the Commission’s decision have not yet been determined. City have consistently denied wrongdoing and indicated throughout the process that they would challenge an adverse verdict.
The appeal now opens another stage in a legal and regulatory dispute that has been ongoing for several years. City said they would not provide further details about their arguments while the proceedings remain active.
“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”
FA’s response on Manchester City’s verdict
The Football Association has also said it is examining the implications of the Commission’s findings. In a statement on Friday, the FA said the decision has “significant implications for the integrity of the game” and that it would take action where appropriate, while declining to comment further because proceedings between City and the Premier League remain ongoing.
City’s appeal therefore leaves the findings open to further review, with the club seeking to overturn the Commission’s conclusions and continuing to insist that its evidence supports its position.
The Premier League case remains one of the most significant financial disciplinary matters in English football, with the eventual outcome of the appeal potentially determining what consequences, if any, Manchester City face from the findings.
