“Manchester City” has confirmed that they will challenge the decision of the independent commission, which found them guilty of 114 charges of financial misconduct.
On Tuesday, the Premier League announced what was reported last week; The commission found that the club systematically broke the rules with “fraudulent” contracts designed to increase revenues and reduce costs.
The scale of the fraud, reported to total more than £900m, was breathtaking and a range of sanctions are now on the table. The city continued to deny any wrongdoing and filed an appeal after declaring the verdict “safe” on Friday.
A club statement read: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 19:00 on Thursday 1 October 2026, the club has lodged a comprehensive appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission in relation to a Premier League disciplinary matter.
“The club’s firm position is that the opinion clearly contains material errors of law, principle and fact on multiple grounds and is dangerous.
“The club is innocent of the allegations made by the Premier League and there is a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence to support all of its positions in this case.
“We will continue to respect due process, and until all processes are complete, what we can say further will be strictly limited.”
The FA is keeping a close eye on City’s work
The Football Association could hit City with separate charges after admitting the independent commission’s decision had “significant implications for the integrity of the game”.
An FA statement said: “The Independent Commission’s decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game. We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate.
“As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club are ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. However, we will continue to monitor developments closely.”
It is common practice for the FA to impose individual penalties on clubs after a Premier League investigation has been completed.