EPL: Man City prepare appeal over £830m Premier League funding judgment

Manchester City is set to contest claims that the club breached Premier League financial regulations, as they prepare to appeal a £830.69 million funding judgment. The independent commission found the club guilty of multiple charges between 2009-10 and 2017-18, alleging that City artificially inflated revenue through sponsorship agreements and concealed certain liabilities.

City consistently denies any wrongdoing and plans to argue that key sponsorship payments were funded by the Abu Dhabi government. However, the commission rejected their explanation, describing it as an account designed to conceal the true arrangements. The club has criticized the commission's findings, stating they contain "clear errors of law, principle and fact."

The case has also caught the attention of HM Revenue & Customs, with the Treasury Committee chair asking HMRC for access to redacted documents. Etihad Airways, a principal sponsor, has rejected allegations of improper commercial arrangements and is considering legal action against the Premier League. The appeal's outcome will determine the validity of the commission's findings, while any HMRC examination could raise legal and regulatory concerns within the tax authority's domain.