Manchester City appeal against Premier League ‘sham’ contracts ruling

Manchester City has lodged an appeal against an independent commission's decision finding the club guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. The appeal seeks to overturn the ruling and avoid severe sanctions. The league accused City of using "sham" commercial contracts to inflate revenue and understate costs by over £900 million ($1.19 billion) over nine seasons, from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

City was found guilty of all charges related to these breaches and three out of four charges concerning failures to cooperate with the investigation. However, the club denies any wrongdoing. The club's appeal, lodged on October 1, 2026, will be reviewed by an independent three-member Appeal Board appointed by the Premier League's Chair.

The board can dismiss the appeal, allow it, refer the case back to the commission, or alter any sanction or compensation order. The appeal hearing will be private and confidential until the outcome is published. The Premier League rules state that an appeal must be heard within 12 weeks of being lodged, with a decision within 30 days of the hearing concluding.

The sanctions could include heavy fines, points deductions, and other sporting penalties, with the possibility of relegation or title removal also under discussion.