Manchester City appeals Premier League financial rules verdict

Manchester City filed a broad appeal after an independent Premier League commission found the club guilty of serious financial rule breaches from 2009 to 2018, The Korea Times reported.

The case could reshape enforcement of financial rules in English soccer, with possible penalties ranging from a reprimand to expulsion from the Premier League.

Manchester City confirmed Friday that it had lodged the appeal Thursday evening before a Friday deadline, according to The Korea Times. The club said, "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,"

The Premier League released the commission’s decision Tuesday, saying City was "guilty of all charges related to serious breaches," The Korea Times reported. The violations covered the period from 2009 to 2018, when the club was accused of breaking financial rules tied to sponsorship revenue.

Under league rules, the disciplinary commission chair must name a new three-member appeal panel, including one person with judicial experience. The appeal hearing is expected to conclude within 12 weeks of the filing and last no more than five consecutive days, according to The Korea Times.

The investigatory panel found that City overstated revenue by more than $1 billion from 2009 to 2018. The commission found almost all of the 115-plus alleged violations, including 80 financial charges for 2009 to 2018 and 35 cooperation-related charges for 2018 to 2023.

The commission found Abu Dhabi sponsors paid $158.4 million of the $1.26 billion listed in club accounts, while Abu Dhabi United Group paid $1.1 billion, The Korea Times reported. Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano told staff in an internal video obtained by Sky News, "The whole Premier League case against us 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. This is just not true."

The Football Association said the ruling may affect confidence in the sport’s governance. "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," the Football Association said.

No club has ever been expelled from English football’s top division, The Korea Times reported.