Manchester City prepares appeal against Premier League financial findings

Manchester City is expected to appeal an independent commission’s findings that it breached the Premier League’s financial regulations over several seasons. The commission found the club guilty of charges relating to the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. It concluded that City had artificially increased reported revenue through sponsorship arrangements and had used mechanisms to obscure certain liabilities.

According to BBC Sport, City has consistently denied wrongdoing and is expected to argue that key sponsorship payments were funded by the Abu Dhabi government rather than Abu Dhabi United Group, the club’s owner. The disputed arrangements were valued at about £830.69 million. The Premier League argued that the arrangements formed part of a disguised funding scheme that made City appear compliant with financial rules.

The commission rejected the club’s explanation of the money’s source, saying it was developed after the events to conceal the underlying arrangements. City has criticised the findings, describing them as containing what it considers errors of law, principle and fact. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has said the club has “irrefutable evidence” supporting its position.

The appeal will determine whether the commission’s findings stand. The case has also drawn parliamentary and tax-related attention. Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury Committee, has asked HM Revenue & Customs whether it sought access to redacted documents in the commission’s report and called for recognition of the wider public interest.

Etihad Airways, one of City’s main sponsors, has rejected suggestions that it was involved in improper arrangements and said it was considering legal action against the Premier League over what it viewed as damaging implications from the report. The league declined to comment.