The club confirmed on Friday that it lodged a “comprehensive Appeal” at 7pm on Thursday against the opinion of the Premier League Commission. City maintain their innocence throughout the long-running case, which dates back to 2018 and covers nine seasons from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
In a statement, the club said the commission’s opinion “contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.” City added that “a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions.”
The Premier League previously stated that City used “sham” commercial contracts as part of schemes that inflated revenue and understated costs by more than £900 million. The club was found guilty of all related charges as well as three of four counts of failing to cooperate with the investigation.
An independent three-member Appeal Board, appointed by the chair of the league’s Judicial Panel, will hear the case. Proceedings will remain private and confidential until the outcome is published. Under league rules, a hearing should take place within 12 weeks of the appeal being lodged, with a decision expected within 30 days of the hearing’s conclusion.
The board may dismiss the appeal, allow it, refer the matter back to the commission, or alter any sanction. A decision by the Appeal Board is final, subject only to limited further arbitration options.
Potential sanctions against City could include a fine, points deduction, suspension or, in the most severe scenario, expulsion from the Premier League. The club can also separately appeal any eventual sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Football Association issued its first public comments on the case, stating that the independent commission’s decision “has significant implications for the integrity of the game.” The FA said it is carefully considering the ruling and will take action where appropriate while monitoring developments closely.
The Premier League season continues with City, currently leading the table, due to visit Liverpool on 11 October.