Man City and Premier League statements in full as appeal lodged over guilty verdict

Man City continue to plead their innocence

Manchester City have confirmed they have lodged an appeal after being found guilty of all charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules.

The independent commission found that Man City arranged ‘sham’ commercial deals with a number of its sponsors between 2009 and 2018, which were part of a disguised funding scheme, whereby those companies were only required to pay a portion of the relevant sponsorship fees.

Man City had the right to appeal the independent commission’s findings and had until today, October 2 to exercise that right, with the club confirming the appeal was lodged on Thursday evening.

A statement reads: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday 1st October 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter.

“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 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.

“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”

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

Manchester City

Meanwhile, the Premier League said: “Manchester City FC has appealed the decision of an independent Commission regarding breaches of Premier League rules.

“The club lodged the appeal to the Chair of the Judicial Panel.

“The independent Appeal Board hearing will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted.”