The appeal is lodged as Manchester City reaffirm their stance

Ever since the Premier League announced on Tuesday that the independent commission found Manchester City guilty on almost all of the charges brought against them for breaching the Premier League's financial rules, it was expected that City would appeal the commission's verdict. That announcement has arrived. Manchester City have announced that they will appeal the Premier League Commission's decision. Today's news comes as no surprise, but it is clear that City have no intention of backing down in the fight to clear their name.

Manchester City have lodged their appeal against the Premier League Commission's 'opinion'.

In a statement on mancity.com , Manchester City confirmed that they lodged their appeal against the Premier League Commission's 'opinion' at 7pm last night. Manchester City's statement said: " Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday 1st October 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter. "

" The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. "

" 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. "

" We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete. "

The Premier League hage confirmed Manchester City's appeal but one line in their statement does come across as amusing.

In a statement on the Premier League's official website , it has been confirmed that Manchester City has appealed the decision of the independent commission's findings. The Premier League's statement said: " Manchester City FC has appealed the decision of an independent Commission regarding breaches of Premier League rules. "

" The club lodged the appeal to the Chair of the Judicial Panel. "

" The independent Appeal Board hearing will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted. "

Manchester City remain strong in their position and have not wavered. They continue to maintain their innocence. This stance has not changed throughout this drawn-out saga. City have also stated where they believe the Premier League Commission has made material errors of law, fact, principle and is unsafe. Manchester City's stance is no surprise. They have dug in for the fight. City will not back down until they have cleared their name.

The Premier League has confirmed Manchester City's appeal. Their statement confirms this. However, there is a sense of irony in the Premier League's statement. They have stated that the appeal hearing will remain confidential. That is until publication of the outcome of the hearing is permitted. Hopefully, this occurs. As it didn't when the independent commission's findings were leaked prematurely. So you do wonder if this will hold. It simply has to. There is no other alternative. Irrespective of the public interest in the story.