Manchester City have formally launched a comprehensive appeal against the independent commission’s findings in the Premier League’s long-running financial rules case, insisting that the verdict contains “clear material errors” and that the club possesses evidence supporting its claim of innocence. City confirmed that the appeal was lodged at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, one day before the deadline for challenging the commission’s decision.
In a strongly worded statement, the club said its position was that the commission’s opinion was flawed on multiple grounds, including law, principle and fact.
“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.”
City added that it would continue to respect due process but was restricted from providing further details while the proceedings remain ongoing.
Appeal follows landmark verdict
The appeal follows the publication of the independent commission’s findings earlier this week after the Premier League’s lengthy investigation into alleged financial rule breaches. The commission found Manchester City guilty of the charges relating to serious financial breaches over the period from 2009–10 to 2017–18, as well as most of the charges concerning the club’s alleged failure to cooperate with the investigation.
The Premier League’s case included allegations surrounding the reporting of sponsorship revenue and other financial information. City have consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the process. The club’s appeal now moves the dispute into a new stage.
Independent appeal board to hear case
The Premier League confirmed that City lodged the appeal with the Chair of the Judicial Panel. The case will subsequently be heard by an independent Appeal Board comprising three members. The Premier League says such boards have broad powers under its rules to allow or dismiss an appeal or vary the decision of the original commission.
The appeal hearing will be conducted privately and confidentially, with the outcome to be published when permitted under the regulations. According to the Premier League’s disciplinary framework, potential sanctions available to a commission include fines, points deductions and other sporting measures. However, no new punishment has been imposed on City as a result of the appeal being lodged.
City maintain confidence in their defence
The club’s latest statement marks another emphatic rejection of the commission’s conclusions and signals that its appeal will challenge the underlying findings rather than simply seek a reduction in any eventual punishment. City’s claim that it possesses “irrefutable evidence” is the club’s position; whether that evidence overturns any of the commission’s findings will now be determined through the appeal process.
For now, the case remains unresolved as Manchester City and the Premier League enter the next phase of a financial dispute that has lasted several years.