Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inHarry Latham-CoyleFriday 02 October 2026 12:08 BSTManchester City are wrong. The rules aren't unfair, they're essentialManchester City have lodged an appeal after an independent commission found them guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.The commission ruled that the club had arranged sham contracts to circumvent financial regulations and failed to comply with the Premier League's investigation.Manchester City denied the accusations, stating that they hold an irrefutable body of evidence and that the original verdict is ‘unsafe’, containing material errors of law and fact.Under Premier League regulations, an appeal hearing must be held within 12 weeks, with a decision delivered within 30 days of the hearing's conclusion.Potential punishments include fines, suspensions, or points deductions, while the Football Association confirmed it is considering action over the integrity of the game.In fullManchester City confirm appeal after Premier League charges verdictMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in