Man City vows to appeal Premier League financial breaches verdict

The Premier League on September 30, 2026 published a redacted independent commission report finding Manchester City guilty on all but one of 115 financial charges covering 2009/10 to 2017/18. The findings concern an alleged disguised funding scheme totaling £830.69m in which owner Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd allegedly provided part of sponsors' fees. Possible sanctions include fines, relegation, or loss of titles, set at a separate hearing. City has until October 2, 2026 to appeal. Charges began in February 2023 after a hacker released club documents; the process has spanned eight years. Contested: The commission found the club guilty of the breaches. Manchester City said it is innocent and that a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence supports its positions. CEO Ferran Soriano told employees the whole Premier League case is based on a single false accusation—that the owner's personal money was somehow and secretly put into the club via some sponsors from Abu Dhabi—and that this is just not true. City said the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. City will pursue its appeal. The Premier League Board intends the full process, including appeals, to conclude as soon as possible.